demure

[ dih-myoor ]
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adjective,de·mur·er, de·mur·est.
  1. characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.

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

Origin of demure

1
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

synonym study For demure

1. See modest.

Other words for demure

Opposites for demure

Other words from demure

  • de·mure·ly, adverb
  • de·mure·ness, noun
  • un·de·mure, adjective
  • un·de·mure·ly, adverb
  • un·de·mure·ness, noun

Words that may be confused with demure

Words Nearby demure

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use demure in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for demure

demure

/ (dɪˈmjʊə) /


adjective
  1. sedate; decorous; reserved

  2. affectedly modest or prim; coy

Origin of demure

1
C14: perhaps from Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, mature

Derived forms of demure

  • demurely, adverb
  • demureness, noun

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