Sobre (en. Sober)

/sobʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adjective

Which is simple, without excessive decoration.

Her outfit was sober yet elegant.

Sa tenue était sobre mais élégante.

Which does not show excess emotion.

He maintained a sober tone during his speech.

Il a gardé un ton sobre lors de son discours.

Refers to a literary or artistic style that is stripped down.

The writing of this author is very sober yet touching.

L'écriture de cet auteur est très sobre mais touchante.

From the Latin 'sobrius', itself derived from 'sitin', which means 'to be thirsty', with the prefix 's' meaning 'without'.

sober as a glass

Refers to a person who does not drink alcohol or drinks in moderation.

sobre comme un verre

to be sober

To be clear-headed, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

être sobre

in a sober style

To use a simple and unembellished style.

dans un style sobre

serenity

State of mind that is calm and quiet.

sérénité

humility

Quality of what is humble, modest.

humilité

austerity

Character of what is austere, severe.

austerité

Sober as a term used for a person who avoids alcohol.

He has been sober for years, he no longer touches a drop of alcohol.

Il est sobre depuis des années, il ne touche plus à une goutte d'alcool.

In party circles, refers to a person who has fun without drinking.

She is the only sober one at the party, but she is still having a blast.

Elle est la seule sobre de la soirée, mais elle s'éclate quand même.