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
Related Words
See modest.
Other Word Forms
- demurely adverb
- demureness noun
- undemure adjective
- undemurely adverb
- undemureness noun
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 ); demur
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.
A golden necklace with a cross that does not belong to me has been artfully draped on the bureau next to a pair of demure white gloves and a jar of cold cream.
From Literature
Others opt for the registry office and a demure lunch with close friends, and prefer to save their money for a house.
From MarketWatch
Following “the Sydney Cherkov way,” she wears a lilac blouse that telegraphs meek, demure energy.
From Salon
Actually, that was the same day I shot that “demure” TikTok.
From Los Angeles Times
Her sweet ballads fooled many into thinking she was fragile and demure.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
