French word

sobre

Pronunciation

IPA/sɔbʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectivemuted

Example

J'aime les couleurs sobres.

I like muted colors.

Illustration for sobre (muted)

More examples

Il porte une tenue sobre.

He is wearing a subdued outfit.

Core concept

Muted colors, simple lines, and an unshowy overall appearance.

Common phrases

  • une tenue sobre

    a subdued outfit

  • un style sobre

    an understated style

  • des couleurs sobres

    muted colors

Similar words

discret: Discreet and unlikely to attract attention in manner or appearance.
modeste: Modest and unassuming, avoiding anything showy or grand.

Definition in French

Qui n'attire pas l'attention par son apparence ou ses couleurs, marqué par la simplicité et la retenue.

Word origin

The modern adjective descends through Old French from Latin sobrius, meaning 'sober' or 'not drunk', with restraint becoming a sense of simplicity.

Usage tips

  • In French, sobre can also describe a person who is not drunk, so context separates that sense from restrained style.

Other meanings

  • plainadjective
  • soberadjective

Opposites

  • ivredrunkadjective
  • ostentatoireostentatiousadjective

Related words

  • sobrementin a restrained manneradverb
  • sobriétérestraintnoun

Word lists with this word