demure

American  

[dih-myoor] / dɪˈmjʊər /

adjective

demurer, demurest

1. characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.

   Synonyms:

   retiring

   Antonyms:

   indecorous

2. affectedly or coyly decorous, sober, or sedate.

   Antonyms:

   indecorous

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demure British  

/ dɪˈmjʊə /

adjective

1. sedate; decorous; reserved

2. affectedly modest or prim; coy

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Synonym Usage

See modest.

Other Word Forms

• demureness
  noun
• undemureness
  noun
• undemure
  adjective
• demurely
  adverb
• undemurely
  adverb

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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

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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."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

demure demurer demurest

At one party, a neighbor of mine, a tattoo artist who had no tattoos of his own, generously lent me four tufted beanbags in a demure oatmeal color.

From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026

The league had made a special point in recent years of keeping celebrations demure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 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

One of them was very demure and mindful - think soft pastels, pussy bow blouses and pleats - as demonstrated by Chanel and Balenciaga.

From BBC ● Dec. 31, 2024

Each and all were answered by a smile, a bow, and a demure “Yes” or “No” with the chill on.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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

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

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

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

"I have conceived the part of Lucy," she observed, with the demurest gravity.

From No Name by Wilkie Collins

He threw up his arms to ward off the threatened attack, and when he opened his eyes and peered out she was sitting on the table with the demurest of expressions upon her countenance.

From Otherwise Phyllis by Charles Dana Gibson

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

Fair she is, as other damsels: but for what the simplest swain Claims from the demurest maiden, I must sue and sue in vain.

From Theocritus, translated into English Verse by Theocritus

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

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Related Words

• prim
• reticent
• timid
• unassuming

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