What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sobriety
Example
After years of struggling with addiction, he finally achieved sobriety. [sobriety: noun]
Example
She spoke with sobriety and sincerity about the importance of mental health. [sobriety: noun]
temperance
Example
He practiced temperance by limiting his alcohol intake to one drink per day. [temperance: noun]
Example
Her temperance in spending helped her save money for her future goals. [temperance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Temperance is less common than sobriety in everyday language, but it is still used in formal or serious contexts to describe personal qualities or virtues. Sobriety is more commonly used in the context of addiction recovery or substance abuse.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sobriety and temperance?
Both sobriety and temperance can be used in formal or serious contexts, but temperance is more associated with moral values and virtues, making it more formal in tone.
