demure
[ dih-myoor ]
adjective,de·mur·er, de·mur·est.
characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.
affectedly or coyly decorous, sober, or sedate.
Origin of demure
1First 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
- demur, demure
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use demure in a sentence
After which, she fell to a meditative walk of demurer joy, and had a regret.
Rhoda Fleming, Complete | George MeredithShe bowed to him, and passed on in her grave and stately manner: more calmly observant, demurer eyes were not in the Park.
Sunrise | William Black
British Dictionary definitions for demure
demure
/ (dɪˈmjʊə) /
adjective
sedate; decorous; reserved
affectedly modest or prim; coy
Origin of demure
1C14: perhaps from Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, mature
Derived forms of demure
- demurely, adverb
- demureness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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