sóbria

Sóbria is the feminine form of the Portuguese adjective sóbrio, meaning restrained, moderate, or not intoxicated. It is used to describe people, behavior, or styles that are calm, prudent, and without excess. For example, uma pessoa sóbria can refer to someone who is sober or measured in conduct, while um estilo sóbrio describes a simple, understated design or manner.

Etymology and usage notes: sóbria derives from Latin sobrius, indicating temperance or moderation. In both European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, the term appears in contexts ranging from everyday speech to literary and religious language. It commonly appears in phrases such as vida sóbria (a sober life) or conduta sóbria (sober conduct).

Context and nuance: as an adjective, sóbria emphasizes restraint and seriousness rather than emotional intensity. It can describe temperament, dress, rhetoric, or presentation, often carrying a positive connotation of reliability and propriety. In contrast, it can also be used neutrally to mark absence of excess, especially in formal or professional settings.

Related terms: the masculine form is sóbrio, and related nouns include sobriedade (sobriety) and sobriety-related expressions. Synonyms and near antonyms include moderado, contido, comedido (positive connotations) and excessivo or descomedido (opposite).

See also: sobriety, sober, sobriedade.