demure

[ dih-myoor ]

adjective

, de·mur·er, de·mur·est.

1. characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.

   Synonyms: retiring

   Antonyms: indecorous

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

   Antonyms: indecorous

demure

/ dɪˈmjʊə /

adjective

1. sedate; decorous; reserved
2. affectedly modest or prim; coy

Derived Forms

• deˈmureness, noun
• deˈmurely, adverb

Other Words From

• de·murely adverb
• de·mureness noun
• unde·mure adjective
• unde·murely adverb
• unde·mureness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demure¹

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 ); demur

Word History and Origins

Origin of demure¹

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

Synonym Study

See modest.

Example Sentences

At Amazon’s studios, she sits in a bouclé armchair on her podcast set, dressed like a demure interviewer: patent leather loafers, cuffed jeans, a sweater set, a string of pearls.

From Los Angeles Times

It's very mindful and very demure, one might say using TikTok verbiage.

From Salon

Far from helpless and demure, Rosa Salazar’s Roxanne has more in common with her cousin than with any other character in the play.

From Los Angeles Times

The video, which describes the B&B as "giving zen" and "very demure", has since been viewed 9.4m times.

From BBC

But if you only know him through his music, nothing can prepare you for just how demure and put-together he is in real life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prim
• reticent
• timid
• unassuming