sobering

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈsoʊbɜrɪŋ/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Making someone feel serious, solemn, or grave; causing one to become more realistic or aware of the seriousness of a situation.
  2. verb
    Present participle of 'sober'; the act of making or becoming sober.

🔗 Details

Word forms

3rd sing.: sobers Past: sobered Past part.: sobered Pres part.: sobering Comparative: soberer, more sober Superlative: soberest, most sober

Collocations

sobering thoughtsobering experiencesobering realitysobering effectsober upsober assessment

Derivatives

soberlysobernesssobrietysobering

Synonyms

seriousgravesolemnsombertemperateclear-headed

Antonyms

drunkintoxicatedfrivolouslighthearted

Commonly confused

somber
EN: 'Somber' means dark, gloomy, or dull in mood or color; 'sober' means serious, restrained, or not intoxicated.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'sober' with 'somber'—they differ in both spelling and meaning. 'Sober' relates to seriousness or abstinence from alcohol; 'somber' relates to gloom or darkness.

💬 Examples

  1. The accident was a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.

  2. The cold shower was sobering him up after the party.