sobriety
UK[səˈbraɪ.ə.ti]US[soʊˈbraɪ.ə.t̬i]
n
the state of being sober, especially not being drunk.
n
the quality of being serious, solemn, or sensible.
Morpheme Breakdown
sobri
ety
sobri
sober
ety
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'sobriety' entered english in the late 15th century from old french 'sobrieté', which itself derived from latin 'sobrietatem', the noun form of 'sobrius'. the latin root 'sobrius' is a compound of 'se-' (meaning "apart, without") and 'ebrius' (meaning "drunk"), thus literally signifying "not drunk." this core meaning of temperance regarding alcohol was the original sense in english. over time, the concept broadened metaphorically, extending from physical abstinence to encompass a general state of seriousness, moderation, and solemnity in behavior or manner, reflecting the figurative application of the root's sense of self-restraint.
Analysis
Structure: sobri (sober) + ety (noun suffix)
sobri (from latin 'sobrius', meaning "not drunk, temperate, moderate"); ety (a noun-forming suffix from latin '-itatem', via old french '-ete', indicating a state or condition).
Examples
after years of struggle, he celebrated a decade of sobriety.
the judge's face was marked by a stern sobriety as she delivered the verdict.
the design of the building reflects a certain architectural sobriety, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation.