How Do You Spell SOBER?

Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊbə] (IPA)

The word "sober" is spelled with four letters, but it is pronounced differently from what one might expect. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsoʊbər/. This means that "sober" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by a short "e" sound and then an "er" sound. The spelling of this word might seem simple, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers. Even for native speakers, it can take some practice to master the correct pronunciation of "sober."

SOBER Meaning and Definition

  1. Sober, as an adjective, primarily refers to a state of being free from the effects of alcohol or drugs, or the absence of intoxication. It implies a clear, rational, and serious mindset, where one's cognitive faculties are not impaired by substances. In a figurative sense, it may also describe a character trait, reflecting a sensible, serious, or solemn demeanor.

    Additionally, the term can extend to encompass a more general meaning, denoting a state of seriousness and gravity, unrelated to substances. For example, sober thought or sober judgment may refer to reflective and wise decision-making not influenced by frivolous or emotional considerations. Similarly, sobering can describe a reality or situation that is serious, thought-provoking, and often disheartening, serving as a cautionary reminder.

    Furthermore, the word can serve as a verb, meaning to become or cause someone to become sober or clearheaded after intoxication. The verb usage can also extend metaphorically, referring to the process of becoming serious, thoughtful, or vigilant, even in situations not involving substances.

    Overall, the term sober is widely used to describe a state of sobriety regarding both alcohol and drugs, as well as a general demeanor of seriousness, clear-headedness, and wisdom.

  2. • Temperate; not under the influence of strong drink; possessing habits of temperance; right in mind; not visionary or heated with passion; grave; serious.
    • To free from intoxication; to become sober; to bring to a right frame of mind.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SOBER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SOBER

Etymology of SOBER

The word "sober" has its origin in the Old French word "sobre" which means "temperate" or "moderate". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "sobrius", which referred to a state of not being drunk or intoxicated. This Latin word itself is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*swoi-ro-" or "*swoi-no-" meaning "healthy" or "sane". The term "sober" gradually acquired its current meaning of being not under the influence of alcohol or drugs over time.

Idioms with the word SOBER

  • sober up The idiom "sober up" typically means to become physically or mentally clearheaded, alert, or serious after being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, it can also be used figuratively to describe gaining a realistic or rational perspective after being overly optimistic or intoxicated by a certain situation or idea.
  • stone sober The idiom "stone sober" means to be completely sober or not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It implies a person who is clear-headed and fully conscious.
  • appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober The idiom "appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober" refers to the act of suggesting that someone reconsider their actions or decisions after they have had some time to reflect and sober up. It implies that the person's judgment or behavior may be impaired by alcohol or emotional influence in the present, but they might make a wiser or more rational decision when they are in a calmer state of mind.
  • sober sm up The idiom "sober someone up" typically refers to the act of helping someone return to a reasonable or serious state of mind, often by making them aware of the reality of a situation, or by bringing them back to a more rational and responsible mindset.
  • wanton kittens make sober cats The idiom "wanton kittens make sober cats" means that mischievous or reckless behavior during youth often leads to more cautious and responsible behavior in adulthood. It suggests that experiences and mistakes made in youth help individuals mature and become more sensible as they grow older.
  • be as sober as a judge The idiom "be as sober as a judge" means to be completely sober and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It implies being in a state of complete clarity, seriousness, and rationality, often used to describe someone who appears very composed and serious-minded. The phrase comes from the stereotype that judges should be impartial and level-headed, without any personal biases or impairment.
  • as sober as a judge The idiom "as sober as a judge" means to be completely sober or not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It refers to the typical image of a judge, who is expected to be serious and impartial, therefore implying that they would not engage in any behavior that impairs their judgment.
  • cold sober The idiom "cold sober" means being completely or totally sober, without any influence or effects of alcohol or drugs. It refers to a state of being completely lucid, clear-headed, and without any impairment.
  • stone(cold) sober The idiom "stone(cold) sober" refers to a person who is completely or entirely sober, meaning they have not consumed any alcohol or other substances that may impair their judgment or behavior. It emphasizes the absence of any intoxicating effects and signifies a clear-minded and alert state.
  • *sober as a judge The idiom "sober as a judge" means to be very serious, clear-headed, and composed, especially in behavior or manner. It is often used to describe someone who is not showing any signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Similar spelling words for SOBER

Conjugate verb Sober

CONDITIONAL

I would sober
you would sober
he/she/it would sober
we would sober
they would sober

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be sobering
you would be sobering
he/she/it would be sobering
we would be sobering
they would be sobering

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sober
you would have sober
he/she/it would have sober
we would have sober
they would have sober

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been sobering
you would have been sobering
he/she/it would have been sobering
we would have been sobering
they would have been sobering

FUTURE

I will sober
you will sober
he/she/it will sober
we will sober
they will sober

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sobering
you will be sobering
he/she/it will be sobering
we will be sobering
they will be sobering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sobered
you will have sobered
he/she/it will have sobered
we will have sobered
they will have sobered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sobering
you will have been sobering
he/she/it will have been sobering
we will have been sobering
they will have been sobering

IMPERATIVE

you sober
we let´s sober

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sober

PAST

I sobered
you sobered
he/she/it sobered
we sobered
they sobered

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sobering
you were sobering
he/she/it was sobering
we were sobering
they were sobering

PAST PARTICIPLE

sobered

PAST PERFECT

I had sobered
you had sobered
he/she/it had sobered
we had sobered
they had sobered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sobering
you had been sobering
he/she/it had been sobering
we had been sobering
they had been sobering

PRESENT

I sober
you sober
he/she/it sobers
we sober
they sober

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sobering
you are sobering
he/she/it is sobering
we are sobering
they are sobering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sobering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sobered
you have sobered
he/she/it has sobered
we have sobered
they have sobered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sobering
you have been sobering
he/she/it has been sobering
we have been sobering
they have been sobering
I would have sobered
we would have sobered
you would have sobered
he/she/it would have sobered
they would have sobered

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