demure
Americanadjective
-
characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.
- Synonyms:
- retiring
- Antonyms:
- indecorous
-
affectedly or coyly decorous, sober, or sedate.
- Antonyms:
- indecorous
adjective
-
sedate; decorous; reserved
-
affectedly modest or prim; coy
Synonym Usage
See modest.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of demure
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English dem(e)ur(e) “well-mannered, grave,” from Anglo-French demuré, past participle of demurer “to demur”; perhaps influenced by Old French mur, mëur “grave, mature” (from Latin matūrus ); see origin at demur
Explanation
A demure person can be described as polite and a little shy. A demure outfit is a modest one — think high neckline and low hem. Demure is a word you don't hear a lot these days, but it used to be a huge compliment for a woman or a girl, for them to be considered shy and quiet and modest. The word demure comes from an French term that means "sober, grave, or serious."
Vocabulary lists containing demure
Advanced English Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The league had made a special point in recent years of keeping celebrations demure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
They offered to introduce him to a demure, devoted woman.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
Even before her husband’s death and her takeover as CEO of TPUSA, she was a highly-educated career woman only playing at being the demure housewife for his audiences.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026
Others opt for the registry office and a demure lunch with close friends, and prefer to save their money for a house.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 25, 2025
Ms. Connors did not win a lacrosse scholarship by being demure or hesitant.
From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Of course, if they be still exuberant, they may show it, and stamp their lustiest; still a demurer step will usually suggest itself as the more appropriate.
From The Morris Book, Part 1 A History of Morris Dancing, With a Description of Eleven Dances as Performed by the Morris-Men of England by Cecil J. Sharp
Cicely, six months younger, was much more quiet and steady on the surface, though her twinkling brown eyes belied her demurer manners, and proclaimed her ready for anything in the shape of fun.
From The Manor House School by Arthur A. Dixon
She bowed to him, and passed on in her grave and stately manner: more calmly observant, demurer eyes were not in the Park.
From Sunrise by William Black
And you have seen a cat conscious of approaching cream: such was Miss Haythorn; she became demurer and demurer.
From Stories by English Authors: England by Thomas Hardy
"And backward yode, as bargemen wont to fare Bending their force contrary to their face Like that ungracious crew which faines demurest grace."
From Great Ralegh by Hugh de Selincourt
"Hand the stick to Mr. Marston Greyle, Mr. Copplestone," said Audrey in her demurest manner.
From Scarhaven Keep by J. S. (Joseph Smith) Fletcher
Even the demurest little maiden cherishes the hope that some fate may send her to the battle-field, or that in some way she may be permitted to serve her country.
From The Lady of the Decoration by Frances Little
Mary's steed had answered every expectation, and proved himself very quiet; so quiet, that without the admonition of a cudgel behind him, he could hardly be persuaded into the demurest trot.
From Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope
She was the demurest, dreamiest of the three girls; the most of a woman, and the least of a talker.
From The Old Folks' Party 1898 by Edward Bellamy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
