soberadj.
/ˈsəʊbə/, U.S. /ˈsoʊbər/Various senses of the word tend to pass into or involve each other, and it is frequently difficult to decide which of these was principally intended by the writer.
I. Moderate in conduct, avoiding excess.
1.
a. Moderate, temperate, avoiding excess, in respect of the use of food and drink; not given to the indulgence of appetite.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > moderation in eating or drinking > [adjective]
sober1338
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 311 Of Arthure men say..he was..sobre & honest.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 221 Sobre ine mete and ine drinke.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 11 Thurgh hem that thanne weren goode And sobre and chaste.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Add. MS.) ii. xxii That we be sobre in mete and drynk, that we mowe come to everlastyng mede.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 324/2 Sobre of meate and drinke, sobre.
1606 G. Chapman Gentleman Vsher iii. sig. Ev Shees as discreete a dame As any in these countries, and as sober, But for this onely humour of the cup.
1677 A. Horneck Great Law Consideration (1704) v. 246 How the sober nation many times conquers the more debauched and vicious.
b. Of diet, etc.: Moderate, temperate; characterized by the absence of excess or indulgence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > moderation in drinking > [adjective]
sobera1382
temperatec1430
teetotalish1838
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > moderation in sensuous gratification > [adjective] > simple life
sobera1382
simplea1387
spare1561
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xxxi. 37 Helthe is of soule and of body, sobre drink.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 119 You schal see veray few of sobur & temperat dyat, but they have helthy & welthy bodys.
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Iij Sobre diet is good.
a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) x. 33 And many other such naturall helpes may we use for our sober refreshing and delight.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. xx. 4 The Vintage of the Sabine Grape, But yet in sober Cups, shall crown the Feast.
1797 H. Lee Canterbury Tales I. 365 The sober cheer of which you have already partaken.
c. Similarly of conduct, inclination, etc.
ΚΠ
1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Aiv Her sobre temperaunce in metes & drynkes.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. ix. sig. V3 Of all Gods workes..There is no one more faire and excellent, Then is mans body,..Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment.
1746 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Satires ii. iii. 8 When Saturn's jovial Feast Seem'd too luxuriant to your sober Taste, Hither you fled.
2. in extended use.1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons Ded. 13 Archerie, which is the soberest exercise of all others to auoide drunkennes and other euills.
a. Not addicted to the use of strong drink; habitually temperate in, or abstaining from, the use of alcoholic liquor; abstemious.
ΚΠ
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Titus ii. 2 That olde men be sobre, chast, prudent.
c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1533 Men moste enquere..Wher she be wys, or sobre, or dronkelewe.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. i. 21 That the dronken men shold be punysshyd And the sobre men preysed.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 39 He reckons a sober Chaplain, in the Navy, to be, a down-right Nonconformist.
1729 W. Law Serious Call ii. 27 When she feels this intention, she will find it as possible to act up to it, as to be strictly sober and chaste.
1815 M. Elphinstone Acct. Kingdom Caubul iii. i. 354 They are a sober people, and have none of the vices of the Eusofzyes.
1890 W. Besant Demoniac v. 50 A sober man himself, even a total abstainer.
b. Of things: Not intoxicating.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > of health: good > conducive to health > of climate
benignc1386
kindly1579
salubrious1615
sobera1795
a1795 W. Cowper Moralizer Corrected 10 The sober cordial of sweet air.
3. figurative.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 16 Than schalt thou have a lusti drauhte And waxe of lovedrunke sobre.in extended use.1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Acts ii. f. 10 This was the sobre fulnesse of swete wine.1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous v The sober hours of the morning.† b. Fasting. Obsolete. rare.
a. Free from the influence of intoxicating liquor; not intoxicated; not drunk. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > moderation in drinking > [adjective] > sober or not drunk
undrunkenc897
sobera1387
fresha1450
unfoxed1622
unliquored1642
(as) sober as a judge1682
unruffled1709
unconcerned1748
unebriate1853
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 443 I appele..from Alisaundre þe dronke to Alisaundre þe sobre.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclv Right as whan any person taketh wyllyng to be sobre, and throweth yt away, willyng to be dronke.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxxxixv Thou sobre [L. sobrius] hast medled not only with thy Nece, but also with thy Sister and daughter.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. ii. 83 Very vildlie in the morning when hee is sober, and most vildly in the afternoone when he is drunke.
?a1635 Good Wives Ale in B. Jonson Wks. (1925–51) VIII. 448 You may guesse, I am not quite Growne sober yet, by these poor lines I write.
1691 J. Hartcliffe Treat. Virtues 73 They thought, their Counsels might want Vigour, when they were sober, as well as Caution, when they had drank.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. viii. i. 157 ‘What little dog, Sir?’ cried Delvile, who now began to conclude he was not sober.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 93 He is as sober as sleep can make him, after a deep drink.
1885 Christ. World 15 Jan. 38/5 The Heathen Chinee..is generally civil and always sober.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > fasting > [adjective]
fastingOE
unetea1387
sober1535
jejunea1620
esurial1708
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Dan. vi. D The kynge wente in to his palace, and kepte him sober all night, so that there was no table spred before him.
II. Moderate in demeanour, appearance, etc.
4.
a. Of demeanour, speech, etc.: Grave, serious, solemn; indicating or implying a serious mind or purpose.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > [adjective] > of speech, etc.: grave, serious, or solemn
sober1390
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 64 Sche him axeth..Fro whenne he cam, and what he wolde, And he with sobre wordes tolde.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 532 He..sayde to hem with sobre soun, ‘Wy stonde ȝe ydel þise dayez longe?’
c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) v. x. 101 Pacyence come pryckyng with a sobre chere and hitte Ire in the helme.
?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 320 Ther songe schal be sadde, sober, ande symple withe out brekyng of notes, and gay relesynge.
?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Aviiiv Tell forthe thy sentence And I shall here the, with sobre pacyence.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxix To do his message..bothe with a bolde countenaunce, and a sober demeanure.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) v. ii. 66 Orl. Speak'st thou in sober meanings? Ros. By my life I do. View more context for this quotation
1633 P. Fletcher Purple Island xi. ix. 148 The Islands King with sober countenance Aggrates the Knights, who thus his right defended.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 208 He sooths with sober Words their angry Mood.
b. In the phrases in sober earnest or †in sober sadness.Skelton Magnyf. 682 uses Sober Sadnesse as a name.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > [adverb] > gravely, seriously, or solemnly
weightily1552
soberly1579
in sober sadness1593
aggravatingly1661
in sober earnest1836
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > melancholy > seriousness or solemnity > [adverb]
highlyOE
deeplyc1300
solemnlya1325
sadlya1375
soberly1382
demurelyc1400
sadc1400
seriouslyc1425
solemnya1470
murely1474
solemnedlyc1480
solenny1480
in (good, sober, serious) sadness1545
gravely1553
staidly1571
solemniouslya1578
solidly1632
in sad earnest1637
ponderously1637
in jest-earnest1642
in all seriousness1679
joking apart1745
unhumorously1768
solidly1799
in sober earnest1836
mirthlessly1853
votively1857
smilelessly1869
unmirthfully1872
unsmilingly1879
inhumorously1898
soberingly1923
straightfacedly1977
1593 T. Nashe Strange Newes in Wks. (Grosart) II. 245 Thou hast borrowed aboue twenty phrases and epithites from mee, which in sober sadnesse thou makst vse of as thy owne.
1615 W. Bedwell tr. Mohammedis Imposturæ iii. §108 I say..in sober sadnes, that thou and all such..ought to obserue it well.
1667 M. Poole Dialogue between Popish Priest & Protestant 202 In sober sadness, it is enough to make any serious Christian abhor your Church.
1819 J. Keats Let. 21 Sept. (1931) II. 426 Isabella is what I should call..‘A weak-sided Poem’ with an amusing sober-sadness about it.
1836 E. B. Pusey in H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey (1893) I. xviii. 425 In sober earnest, I wish that we could have given you more time to think about it.
1865 E. B. Tylor Res. Early Hist. Mankind i. 8 I have been startled by hearing it..urged in sober earnest very far outside the range of savage life.
5.
a. Quiet or sedate in demeanour; of grave, dignified, or discreet deportment; serious or staid in character or conduct.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > other specific behaviour > [adjective] > staid
sober1362
staid1557
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > melancholy > seriousness or solemnity > [adjective]
seinec1330
sober1362
unfeastlyc1386
murec1390
unlaughter-milda1400
sadc1400
solemnyc1420
solemned1423
serious1440
solemnc1449
solenc1460
solemnel?1473
moy1487
demure1523
grave1549
staid1557
sage1564
sullen1583
weighty1602
solid1632
censoriousa1637
(as) grave (also solemn, etc.) as a judge1650
untriumphant1659
setc1660
agelastic1666
austere1667
humourless1671
unlaughing1737
smileless1740
untriflinga1743
untittering1749
steady1759
dun1797
antithalian1818
dreich1819
laughterless1825
unsmiling1826
laughless1827
unfestive1844
sober-sided1847
gleeless1850
unfarcical1850
mome1855
deedy1895
button-down1959
buttoned-down1960
straight-faced1975
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. xi. 121 Þenne schaltou seo Sobre And Symple-of-speche.
c1393 G. Chaucer Gentilesse 9 Truwe of his worde, sobur, pitous, and fre.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 308 Perseys war trew..Sobyr in pes and cruell in Battaill.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xvi. 75 Be ye pacyent and sobre in mode.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 3791 Ulexes..was..Sad of his semblaundes, sober of chere.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique 66 A yonge chylde as sober as a man of fiftye yeres.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 78 What damned error but some sober brow will blesse it. View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 38 Com pensive Nun, devout and pure, Sober, stedfast, and demure.
1684 tr. S. Blankaart Physical Dict. 191 Medicus, a Physician, a Man highly skilful in the art of Physick, modest, sober, and courteous.
1722 D. Defoe Relig. Courtship i. ii. 46 I would have been the soberest gravest young Fellow, that ever you saw in your Life.
1783 G. Crabbe Village ii. 26 Some of the sermon talk, a sober crowd.
1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) ix. 109 So sober in her manner, that no one set about guessing whom she would marry.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 253 Sober people predicted that a girl of so little..delicacy would not easily find a husband.
b. Of bearing, movement, etc.: Showing no trace of haste, impatience, or the like.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > [adjective] > of appearance or demeanour
coolOE
sobera1375
composed1606
serene1702
mooth1782
poised1912
centred1973
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4988 Semblant made he sobur so as it him paide, but..in hert it liked him wel ille.
c1480 (a1400) St. Christopher 361 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 350 Cristofore þan of sobyre wil rase, & sad þame sone till: ‘frendis, tell me quhat ȝe seke!’
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. ii. 77 Our newes shall go before vs,..And we with sober speede will follow you. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 82 Legions..move to meet their Foes with sober Pace. View more context for this quotation
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles vi. xvi. 243 Pacing back his sober way, Slowly he gain'd his own array.
6.
a. Of natural forces (†animals), etc.: Quiet, gentle, peaceful.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by nature > [adjective] > docile
tamec888
hand-tameOE
softc1175
sober1398
mansuetea1525
sedate1791
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [adjective]
light?c1225
moderatea1398
sober1398
weakc1400
meanly?a1425
treatablec1450
slenderc1475
remiss1550
quiet1560
unpassionatea1600
relaxative1611
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [adjective] > mild (of weather or climate) > of the elements
softc1390
sober1398
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) xviii. xcix Whan he is tyed to a fige tree he leueþ al his fersenes & is sodenlich sobre.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 1031 A sobur brook amydde or ellis a welle.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 2477 The soft dew one fra the hewyne doune valis..And throw the sobir & the mwst hwmouris Vp nurisit ar the erbis.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2009 The se wex sober.., Stormes were stille.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 242 Thay sayled with a sober and safte wind.
1636 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae (new ed.) 43 The aire was sober, soft and sweet.
1662 J. Chandler tr. J. B. van Helmont Oriatrike 117 Sober rains are great with young of dew.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Scotch mist, a sober, soaking Rain.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 14 As sober evening sweetly siles along.
b. Of actions: Free from harshness or violence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [adjective] > not harsh or gentle
meekc1230
nesha1250
tender1340
softa1398
sober1455
gentle1508
silken1601
milken1648
rose water1837
paddy1962
1455 in J. D. Marwick Charters Edinb. (1871) 81 He salbe arrestit in sobir maner as said is.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 174 He salbe content of thair sobir and gracious gouernaunce.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. xix Thei by sobre meanes and gentle exhortacion brought all the souldiers to the campe.
7.
a. Of living, etc.: Characterized by temperance, moderation, or seriousness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > [adjective]
methelyeOE
i-meteOE
methefulOE
attempre1297
measurablec1330
temprea1340
temperatec1380
temperantc1384
attemperatec1386
attemperelc1386
chastea1400
mannered1435
measureda1450
moderatea1450
well-measuredc1450
attempered1474
modest1548
sober1552
measurely1570
temperable1619
contemperate1647
submissive1753
managed1770
self-contained1838
inexplosive1867
1552 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16279) Morninge Prayer sig. .ii A godly, righteous, & sobre lyfe.
1565–6 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 418 Sanctandrois, quhair he wes in sobir and quiet maner, belevand to haif levit at Goddis peace.
a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) iii. 10 Sober and single dancing of men apart.
1726 D. Defoe Polit. Hist. Devil i. ix. 112 He led a very religious and sober Life.
1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 148 Men..Live to no sober purpose, and contend That their creator had no serious end.
1810 G. Crabbe Borough xi. 155 A pious Friend who with the antient Dame At sober Cribbage takes an Evening-Game.
1825 W. Scott Talisman vii, in Tales Crusaders III. 178 The dog..looked as if he were ashamed that anything could have moved him to depart so far out of his sober self-control.
b. Of a book: Serious, moral.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > [adjective] > dealing with morals
moralc1390
ethical1581
ethic1589
sober1844
1844 Mrs. Houstoun Texas & Gulf of Mexico I. 48 Reading their Prayer Books, or some sober book from the ship's library.
8.
a. Of a temperate or moderate disposition; not readily excited or carried away; of a calm, dispassionate judgement.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > unexcitability > [adjective]
slowc1384
imperturbablea1475
sober-minded1534
well-staid1550
settled1557
sober1564
steady1602
unprovokable1646
good-tempered1685
inirritable1794
well-adjusted1809
unvolatile1823
inexcitable1828
unrufflable1828
churchwardenly1830
unruffable1837
unexcitable1839
unrousable1842
well-tempered1852
middle-aged1853
unsqueamish1893
unflappable1958
1564 Briefe Exam. 7* The sagest and sobrest in this common wealth..conceyue a better opinion of them.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. iv. §13 It is the constant acknowledgement of all sober inquirers into the original of the Greeks.
1685 A. Wood Life 12 Aug. The phanatiques (nay, some sober men) thinke that this army..is to bring in popery.
1718 Free-thinker No. 77. 1 His very Attempts..are sufficient to make sober Men dread the fatal Consequences.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. ii. iv. 435 Sober people..would not venture into the competition. View more context for this quotation
1835 H. Miller Scenes & Legends N. Scotl. xii. 201 The many soberer dreamers who were led..to interpret amiss a surer word of prophecy.
1860 F. W. Farrar Ess. Origin Lang. ii. 38 Some of the most profound and sober intellects in Europe.
a1862 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. (1873) III. v. 392 The sober and patient spirit of the English intellect.
b. Not desirous of great things or high estate; humble, unambitious.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > modesty > [adjective]
simplec1300
measurablec1330
methec1390
murec1390
smallc1405
soleinc1450
timorous1474
modest1561
unbragging1570
unboldened1591
unpresuming1607
bragless1609
unambitious1621
boastless1632
unpompous1656
verecundous1656
sober1659
tender-foreheaded1659
unpragmatical1673
unpretending1681
unpresumptuous1704
unimportant1727
unaspiringa1729
inambitious1729
unassuming1730
unostentatiousa1739
unboastful1744
pretensionless1748
unarrogating1748
uncontending1748
unopinionated1775
unboasting1802
underbearing1802
mousy1812
un-ultra1817
unarrogant1831
low-flying1835
unconceited1838
unpretentious1838
uninflated1861
unvain1863
unbumptious1865
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (xxxix. 7 Paraphr.) 210 Fit to be the matter of a sober mans ambition.
1751 T. Gray Elegy xix. 9 Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray.
1790 R. Burns Epist. R. Graham in Wks. (1834) III. 160 The Robin in the hedge descends, And sober [Glenriddell MS patient] chirps securely.
9. in extended use.1814 Sporting Mag. 43 258 His palet is sober and clean, his pencil animated.
a. Of colour, dress, etc.: Subdued in tone; not glaring, gay, or showy; neutral-tinted.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [adjective] > dull
fadec1290
wannish?a1412
obscure1490
sada1539
dull1552
smoky1576
sober1603
dead1640
dirty1665
invivid1669
dusty1676
saddisha1678
austere1680
worn-out1731
sombrous1792
sombre1805
toneless1833
lacklustre1843
the world > matter > colour > state or mode of having colour > [adjective] > dull coloured
wannish?a1412
colourless1557
sullena1586
sober1603
dingy1665
dunduckety1818
duckety1841
drabbish1842
neutral-tinted1844
drabby1862
drab1880
drably-tinted1891
terne1901
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 832 Hungarians..attired in long and sober garments of very fine purple cloth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) i. ii. 130 Now shal my friend..offer me disguis'd in sober robes..as a schoole-master. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 599 Twilight gray Had in her sober Liverie all things clad. View more context for this quotation
1781 W. Cowper Charity 262 Ev'ning in her sober vest Drew the grey curtain of the fading west.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho I. i. 10 Till the shadows of twilight melted its various features into one tint of sober gray.
1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine ii. 139 This contrast between the brilliant colours of the flowers and the sober hue of the rest of the landscape.
1885 C. Swainson Provinc. Names Brit. Birds 195 The sober tints of its feathers in winter.
b. Unexciting or uneventful; dull.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > feeling of weariness or tedium > [adjective] > wearisome or tedious > not amusing or entertaining
unpleasant1558
sportless1598
unridiculous1646
undistractinga1684
undiverting1695
unentertaining1695
indivertive1700
unamusive1755
unanimating1785
unamusing1794
unexciting1833
sober1838
unstimulating1844
zilch1958
1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella I. Pref. p. xiv The many sober hours I have passed in wading through black-letter tomes.
1860 N. Hawthorne Marble Faun II. xii. 140 That life of sober week-days.
10.
a. Free from extravagance or excess.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. vi. 21 With such sober and vnnoted passion He did behooue his anger ere 'twas spent. View more context for this quotation
1794 E. Burke Speech Duration Parl. in Wks. II. 484 So was Rome destroyed by the disorders of continual elections, though those of Rome were sober disorders.
1852 Ld. Tennyson Ode Wellington 164 That sober freedom out of which there springs Our loyal passion for our temperate kings.
1856 T. B. Macaulay Goldsmith in Misc. Writings (1882) 303/2 The mirth of the ‘Goodnatured Man’ was sober when compared with the rich drollery of ‘She Stoops to Conquer’.
b. Moderate, sensible; free from exaggeration; not fanciful or imaginative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > moderateness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective]
evenlya1200
methefully?c1225
renable?1305
reasonablea1325
measurablec1330
skillwisea1340
moderatea1398
temperate1398
meetlya1400
measurablyc1450
rationablec1475
competent1535
midway1573
modest1582
sober1619
medious1657
slack1662
meeverly1819
low key1941
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > [adjective]
wittyc1380
perceivedc1425
sensible?a1439
sober-minded1534
staida1555
sonsy1568
mother-witted1593
unfoolish1603
capable1609
sober1619
hard-headed1779
commonsensical1792
sensical1795
sober-minded1811
common-sensible1813
savvy1826
common sensed1834
level1869
level-headed1879
square-headed1896
1619 A. Gorges tr. F. Bacon Wisedome Ancients 141 We must therefore with a sober and humble iudgement distinguish betweene humanitie and diuinitie.
1674 D. Brevint Saul & Samuel 115 They who will speak at a soberer rate, compare the Virgin to the Moon.
1771 R. Hill Five Lett. i. 2 The use of that expression..in a sober gospel sense of the words.
1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 215 Ev'n when sober truth prevails throughout, They swear it, 'till affirmance breeds a doubt.
1825 T. H. Horne Introd. Crit. Study Holy Script. (ed. 5) II. App. vi. 788 The notes..give a sober but practical and evangelical exposition of the allegory.
1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars iv. 169 How much or how little of sober fact there may be in those thrilling incidents..it is impossible to say.
11. Guided by sound reason; sane, rational:† a. Of persons. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > [adjective] > exercising reason
reasonablec1400
rational1598
fair1603
sober1638
intelligencing1658
unperverse1665
open1672
wise-like1816
sane1843
1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac New Epist. II. 24 They have painted mee..a mad man amongst the sober.
1657 R. Carpenter Astrol. Proved Harmless Ded. In a Bedlam-house the mad People have their sober Keepers.
1694 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding (new ed.) ii. xxvii. 186 Humane Laws not punishing the Mad Man for the Sober Man's Actions.
1773 S. Johnson in J. Boswell Jrnl. Tour Hebr. 16 Sept. (1785) 258 Mad all my life, at least not sober.
b. Of the mind, discourse, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > [adjective] > marked by reason, well-reasoned
reasonablea1387
coherent1580
sharp1580
firm1600
sober1651
well-reasoned1661
close1670
serried1899
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. viii. 36 If some man in Bedlam should entertaine you with sober discourse.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Let. to Friend (1690) 8 [They are] content to think they dye in good Understanding, and in their sober Senses.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. vii. 130 He was..in a State of Mind sober enough to consider Death and his last End.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xliv While the people in their sober senses..were taken in, the old lunatic..could look down and see [etc.].
III. Small, insignificant, and related uses.
12. † b. Moderate or few in number. Obsolete.
a. Of things: Small, insignificant, slight; paltry, trifling, poor. Chiefly Scottish. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior thing > [adjective]
salec1299
bastarda1348
sorry1372
slight1393
shrewd1426
singlec1449
backc1450
soberc1450
lesser1464
silly?a1500
starven1546
mockado1577
subaltern1578
bastardly1583
wooden1592
starved1604
perishing1605
starveling1611
minor1612
starvy1647
potsherd1655
low1727
la-la1800
waif1824
lathen1843
one-eyed1843
snide1859
bobbery1873
jerkwater1877
low-grade1878
shoddy1882
tinhorn1886
jerk1893
cheapie1898
shaganappi1900
buckeye1906
reach-me-down1907
pissy1922
crappy1928
cruddy1935
el cheapo1967
pound shop1989
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 228 He wrote vnto hym & said at he had done hym a litle sober trispas.
1523 in State Papers Henry VIII (1836) IV. 24 To breke the Chauncellour..fro the Governour, whiche Your Grace think wold bee doone with a sober thing.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 35 Sober goodis and geir with peace and concord growis ay mair and mair to great substance.
1602 T. Campion Obseruations Art Eng. Poesie sig. C2 He..only makes Th' earth his sober Inne, but still heau'n his home.
1629 W. Mure True Crucifixe 2340 His greatest wealth a sober seamelesse coate.
1643 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce 36 When they cannot reap the soberest ends of beeing together in any tolerable sort.
1796 J. Sinclair Statist. Acct. Scotl. XVII. 343 It requires the utmost exertion of his industry..to..afford a maintenance, very sober indeed, to his family.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > plurality > fewness > [adjective]
feweOE
whonc950
litea1000
littleOE
petitc1390
wheenc1400
sobera1535
slim1852
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 41/2 The Queenes frendes..broughte the Kynge vppe..with a sober coumpanye.
1548 W. Patten Exped. Scotl. E vij We..ar here now but with a sobre cumpenie. [Margin.] Sober, is the proper terme whearby the Scottes doo signifie smal, litle, easy, or slender.
1581 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 420 Thair being sober nowmer of personis thairon.
13. Scottish. Of persons:† a. Of low degree; humble, mean; of little importance or dignity. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > low rank or condition > [adjective]
leasteOE
wokec897
littleOE
lowc1175
eathlyc1200
smallc1275
simplec1300
meana1375
humblec1386
ignoble1447
servile1447
base1490
slighta1500
sober1533
silly1568
unresponsal1579
dunghilled1600
villainous1607
without name1611
woollena1616
dunghilly1616
unresponsible1629
under-stateda1661
low-down1865
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1903) II. iv. xvi. 107 I am bot ane sobir knicht of romane armye.
1565 Extr. Burgh Rec. Aberd. (1844) I. 361 Of euery mariage, xviij d. of honest or reche folkis, and xij d. of sobir folkis.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 87 The iniurieis done to ony of them or the soberest of theme.
b. Of little use or worth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > [adjective] > specifically of persons
unserviable1544
unserviceablea1556
useless1646
sober1808
unconstructive1859
feckless1869
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. (at cited word) A sober servant, a very indifferent one.
c. In poor health; not very well.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased
untrumc825
sickc888
unwholec888
slackc897
unstronga900
sicklea1000
sam-halea1023
worseOE
attaint1303
languishinga1325
heallessc1374
sicklyc1374
sicklewa1387
bada1393
mishalea1400
languoring?c1425
distempered1440
unwell?c1450
detent?a1475
poora1475
languorousc1475
maladif1481
illa1500
maladiousc1500
wanthriven1508
attainted1509
unsound1513
acrazed1521
cracked1527
unsoundya1529
visited1537
infirmed1552
crazed1555
healthless1568
ill-liking1572
afflicted1574
crazy1576
unhealthful1580
sickish1581
valetudinary1581
not well1587
fainty1590
ill-disposed1596
unhealthsome1598
tainted1600
ill-affected1604
peaking1611
unhealthy1611
infirmited1616
disaffected1626
physical1633
illish1637
pimping1640
invalid1642
misaffected1645
valetudinarious1648
unhale1653
badly1654
unwholesome1655
valetudinous1655
morbulent1656
off the hooksa1658
mawkish1668
morbid1668
unthriven1680
unsane1690
ailing1716
not wellish1737
underlya1742
poorly1750
indifferent1753
comical1755
maladized1790
sober1808
sickened1815
broken-down1816
peaky1821
poorlyish1827
souffrante1827
run-down1831
sicklied1835
addle1844
shaky1844
mean1845
dauncy1846
stricken1846
peakyish1853
po'ly1860
pindling1861
rough1882
rocky1883
suffering1885
wabbit1895
icky-boo1920
like death warmed up1924
icky1938
ropy1945
crappy1956
hanging1971
sick as a parrot1982
shite1987
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. (at cited word) Very sober, ailing a good deal.
1882– in Eng. Dial. Dict.
Compounds
General attributive (chiefly parasynthetic). C1.
sober-blooded adj.
ΚΠ
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. ii. 84 This same yong sober blouded boy doth not loue me. View more context for this quotation
sober-clad adj.
ΚΠ
1892 T. Wright Blue Firedrake i A replica of his own starched, sober-minded and sober-clad self.
sober-coloured adj.
ΚΠ
1851 G. Borrow Lavengro I. xxv. 317 They were dressed in sober-coloured habiliments.
1892 ‘M. Twain’ Amer. Claimant xvi. 168 He drops into the stoodio as sober~colored as anything you ever see.
sober-disposed adj.
ΚΠ
1775 S. J. Pratt Liberal Opinions (1783) I. xiv. 125 To the great annoyance of many sober disposed people of the parish.
sober-hued adj.
ΚΠ
1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xxxiv. 464 To-day all sober-hued reflections were exorcised.
sober-living adj.
ΚΠ
1960 Times 4 Mar. 13/7 There is a hard-working, sober-living, self-respecting section among them.
sober-looking adj.
ΚΠ
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) I. xi. 183 The morrow brought a very sober looking morning. View more context for this quotation
sober-spoken adj.
ΚΠ
1934 W. S. Churchill Marlborough II. xiv. 304 These were very unusual expressions for the sober-spoken and matter-of-fact Marlborough.
sober-paced adj.
ΚΠ
1863 N. Hawthorne Our Old Home I. 101 A sober-paced pedestrian.
sober-spirited adj.
ΚΠ
1647 Cromwell in Stainer Speeches (1901) 44 Every sober-spirited man.
sober-suited adj.
ΚΠ
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. ii. 11 Come ciuill night, Thou sober suted matron all in blacke. View more context for this quotation
1744 J. Thomson Summer in Seasons (new ed.) 85 The sober-suited Songstress trills her Lay.
1842 Ld. Tennyson You ask me Why 6 It is the land..That sober-suited Freedom chose.
sober-tinted adj.
ΚΠ
1850 W. Collins Antonina iv The sober-tinted trees.
C2.
sober-like adj.
ΚΠ
1592 W. Wyrley Capitall de Buz in True Vse Armorie 117 He..backe his fighters drue Full soberlike rash perils to eschue.
sober-sad adj.
ΚΠ
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. L1v So sober sad, so wearie, and so milde. View more context for this quotation
c1614 J. Sylvester tr. H. Smith Micro-cosm. 374 If sober-sad, Merry Greeks mee Meacok call.
sober-wise adj.
ΚΠ
a1591 H. Smith Wks. (1866) I. 471 He..teacheth them here not to be over~wise, but sober-wise.
a1618 J. Sylvester tr. Little Bartas in tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Diuine Weekes & Wks. (1621) 787 Sound is the Soule, which resteth (sober-wise) Content in Thee.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
soberv.
/ˈsəʊbə/, U.S. /ˈsoʊbər/ I. transitive.
1.
a. To reduce to a quiet or gentle condition; to appease, pacify.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)]
softa1225
stilla1325
coolc1330
accoya1375
appeasec1374
attemperc1386
lullc1386
quieta1398
peasea1400
amesec1400
assuagec1400
mesec1400
soberc1430
modify?a1439
establish1477
establish1477
pacify1484
pacify1515
unbrace?1526
settle1530
steady1530
allay1550
calm1559
compromitc1574
restore1582
recollect1587
serenize1598
smooth1604
compose1607
recompose1611
becalm1613
besoothe1614
unprovokea1616
halcyon1616
unstrain1616
leniate1622
tranquillize1623
unperplexa1631
belull1631
sedate1646
unmaze1647
assopiatea1649
serenate1654
serene1654
tranquillify1683
soothe1697
unalarm1722
reserene1755
quietize1791
peacify1845
quieten1853
conjure1856
peace1864
disfever1880
patise1891
de-tension1961
mellow1974
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)]
appease1330
peasea1387
soberc1430
pacifya1513
stay1537
stickle1556
still1570
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 206 Sobre and appeese suche folk as falle in furye.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 193 Sho sayd: ‘Dere Son! Meng þi rightwusnes with mercie!’.. And þan hur Son was soberd & sayd [etc.].
c1480 (a1400) St. Matthew 443 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 203 [He] gat be-for þam þat ware wrathe, & sobryt þam.
1483 Cath. Angl. 347/2 To Sobyr, mitigare, placare.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 341 With Pecht and Saxone first he hes maid peice, All outwart weir to sober and gar ceiss.
b. To moderate, quieten (one's feelings), by the exercise of self-control. Also reflexive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > control oneself or the emotions [verb (transitive)]
govern1340
sober1390
obtempera1492
refrain?1521
control1568
obtemperate1575
command1586
smother1594
subject1620
controla1627
possess1643
reduce1643
devour1650
stiflea1683
to wrestle down1808
the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > control oneself [verb (reflexive)]
refraina1387
forbeara1400
modify1530
sober1530
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 332 With that he sobreth his corage And put awey his hevy chiere.
c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 7626 Sobre youre hert, ma dame, I you besech.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/1 I sober my selfe, I asswage myn anger.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 3379 Ses now of sorowe, sobur þi chere.
c. reflexive. To keep (oneself) temperate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > moderation in eating or drinking > be moderate in eating or drinking [verb (reflexive)] > keep oneself temperate
sober1530
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/2 He can sober hym selfe in his dyete the best that ever I sawe.
2.
a. To render grave or serious.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > melancholy > seriousness or solemnity > be serious towards [verb (transitive)] > make serious or solemn
soberize1707
sober1726
solemnize1726
solemnify1780
1726 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey V. xxi. 322 They..sent him sober'd home, with better wit.
1823 J. Rutter Delineations of Fonthill 40 Sobered almost into a religious feeling, by the oratory and its concomitants.
1854 H. D. Thoreau Walden 299 Sobered into silence by the mystery.
1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. III. lxxxvii. 161 Citizens who have been born to power..are sobered by their privileges.
b. To render less glaring or conspicuous.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [verb (transitive)] > tone down
dilute1665
mellow1694
break1753
sadden1787
sober1843
degrade1844
disintensify1884
scumble1905
1843 J. Ruskin Arrows of Chace (1880) I. 6 Your critic has not allowed for the effect of time on its blues. They are now, indeed, sobered and brought down.
3. To make sober; to free from intoxication.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > moderation in drinking > [verb (transitive)] > make sober
assobre1393
disintoxicate1685
sober1711
withdraw1967
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 14 Shallow Draughts intoxicate the Brain, And drinking largely sobers us again.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. xxxvii. 19 Her, with Egyptian Wine inspir'd,..Augustus sober'd into Tears.
1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 23 Oct. 9 Bread and cheese and vinegar to sober A. B.
4. To bring down to a sober condition in some respect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > tone down
temperc1000
modifyc1385
softenc1410
tame?a1500
qualify1536
temperatea1540
extenuate1561
supple1609
dilute1665
palliate1665
weaken1683
subdue1723
lower1780
modulate1783
to shade away1817
to water down1832
to water down1836
sober1838
veil1843
to tone down1847
to break down1859
soothe1860
tone1884
to key down1891
soft-pedal1912
1838 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Clouds 99 We shall not be surprised to find this fanciful system sobered down into the following observation.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. (1856) xxxiii. 284 Her light mingles so with the twilight of the sun that the stars are quite sobered down.
1877 O. W. Holmes How not to settle It 18 At times when..solemn speeches sober down a dinner.
II. intransitive.
5. To become sober, in various senses. Also with off and up. Hence as attributive.phr.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > moderation in drinking > [verb (intransitive)] > become sober
assobre1393
sober1820
soberize1831
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > behave with moderation or restraint [verb (intransitive)] > become moderate
to draw in (also shrink, pluck, pull in) one's hornsa1400
to pull down one's sail or sails1548
sober1820
sober1825
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [verb (intransitive)] > tone down
mellow1737
sober1879
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)] > become toned down
to tone down1850
sober1879
1820 W. Scott Monastery I. iv. 147 That was very natural..but ye hae sobered since that.
1879 G. MacDonald Paul Faber II. i. 6 The colour sobered, but the glory grew.
1891 H. Tuckley Under the Queen 244 This gives the topers time to sober off after the heavy siege of the night before.
1901 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 2 Nov. 5/2 The police yesterday gathered in an Indian woman who was rolling along in the street in a drunken condition with a baby in her arms. She was released as soon as she had sobered up.
1938 E. Waugh Scoop iii. ii. 284 ‘Aunt Agnes and I very much fear that he has taken too much.’.. ‘Oh, he'll sober up,’ said Uncle Theodore, from deep experience.
1962 W. H. Auden Dyer's Hand (1963) 261 When he [sc. Cassio] sobers up, his regret is..that he has lost his reputation.
1967 Listener 23 Nov. 669/3 The National Federation of Licensed Victuallers announced that they're to back the search for a sober-up pill—an alcohol antidote.
6. To settle or quieten down in some respect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity
swindOE
wane1297
forslacka1300
keelc1325
deadc1384
abatea1387
flag1639
to go off1642
subsidea1645
slacken1651
flat1654
lower1699
relax1701
deaden1723
entame1768
sober1825
lighten1827
sletch1847
slow1849
languish1855
bate1860
to slow up1861
to slow down1879
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > behave with moderation or restraint [verb (intransitive)] > become moderate
to draw in (also shrink, pluck, pull in) one's hornsa1400
to pull down one's sail or sails1548
sober1820
sober1825
1825 W. Scott Betrothed Concl., in Tales Crusaders II. 334 The ecstasy of delight sobered down into a sort of tranquil wonder.
1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) viii. 92 Mercy is a little giddy... But she'll sober down in time.
1886 Field 4 Sept. 349/1 Many a horse who will sober down if struck severely once only, will get furious if the punishment is repeated.
Derivatives
ˈsobered adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > [adjective] > made calm
pleaseda1382
ycesed1387
pacified1530
appeased1532
reduced1642
pacate1645
becalmed1667
smoothed1713
pacated1727
lulled1787
sobered1797
soothed1820
1797 R. Southey Botany Bay Eclogues in Poems 103 The hollow howl..Bursts not with terror to the sober'd sense.
1843 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters I. 109 Such a sobered high light.
1883 Harper's Mag. July 212/2 Breathless hung the sobered throng On the magic of the song.
ˈsoberer n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > one who or that which mitigates or moderates
slakea1300
mitigativea1398
allayerc1487
slaker?1518
assuager1547
abater1583
mollifier1583
mitigator1586
moderator1589
softener1599
rebater1601
lightener?1611
allay1614
swager1617
mitigation1622
temperer1630
alleviator1665
alleviative1672
sheather1762
soberera1849
buffer1858
charmer1871
suppressant1884
modifier1890
moderant1897
shock-absorber1924
a1849 J. C. Mangan Poems (1859) 80 Soother and soberer of the spirit's fever.
ˈsobering n. and adj. also with down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > mitigation or alleviation
allegeancec1325
swaging1340
legeancec1390
mitigationa1400
swagea1400
allegementa1425
alleging?a1425
alleviation?a1425
lighteningc1425
queeming1440
allevation1502
soberinga1510
extenuation1542
assuagement1561
releasement1569
assuaging1580
assuage1596
mitification1607
allayment1609
palliation1813
soothing1847
the mind > emotion > calmness > [adjective] > composing or calming
lullingc1440
quieting1634
composing1644
appeasing1648
lenient1652
quietivea1683
hesychastic1694
anodyne1790
tranquillizing1801
sobering1816
becalming1827
antiphlogistic1840
calminga1853
anodynic1904
anodynous1904
stress-relieving1947
chill-out1990
a1510 G. Douglas King Hart 238 His wound to wesche, in sobering of his sair.
1816 J. Austen Emma II. ii. 24 The sobering suggestions of her own good understanding. View more context for this quotation
a1817 J. Austen Persuasion (1818) III. vii. 141 These were words which could not but dwell with her... They were of sobering tendency. View more context for this quotation
1831 Society 1 286 The cogitations of the Countess had not been without their sobering effect on her temper.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 146 Tidings of a very sobering nature had just reached him.
1884 Pall Mall Gaz. 1 Aug. 3/3 An enterprising American has initiated a new system of what is called..‘sobering-up’.
1975 B. Meyrick Behind Light xiv. 183 The sobering-down item of community hymn singing.
Draft additions 1993
ˈsoberingly adv.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > melancholy > seriousness or solemnity > [adverb]
highlyOE
deeplyc1300
solemnlya1325
sadlya1375
soberly1382
demurelyc1400
sadc1400
seriouslyc1425
solemnya1470
murely1474
solemnedlyc1480
solenny1480
in (good, sober, serious) sadness1545
gravely1553
staidly1571
solemniouslya1578
solidly1632
in sad earnest1637
ponderously1637
in jest-earnest1642
in all seriousness1679
joking apart1745
unhumorously1768
solidly1799
in sober earnest1836
mirthlessly1853
votively1857
smilelessly1869
unmirthfully1872
unsmilingly1879
inhumorously1898
soberingly1923
straightfacedly1977
1923 Glasgow Herald 22 Oct. 10 The Government has to steer its way amid the external obstacles of which Labour, if it were in power, would become soberingly aware by actual contact.
1989 Time 20 Mar. 26/1 NSA has figures that make the insider threat look soberingly real. An agency log of cases involving computer crime or computer espionage showed that up to 90% of known security breaches are the work of corporate or Government insiders.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1338v.1390