demure Hear it!

demure Definition

de·mure (di myo̵or′)

adjective

  1. decorous; modest; reserved
  2. affectedly modest or shy; coy

Etymology: ME demur < de- (prob. intens.) + mur < OFr mëur, ripe, mature < L maturus, mature

demure Related Forms

de·mure′ly adverb de·mure′·ness noun

demure Synonyms

demure

modif.

shy, prim, coy, bashful; see humble 1, prudish, shy. See syn. study at shy.

demure Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Very demure early 60's cocktail dress in corded black lace, with black acetate lining.
  • quite: And also, pulling a sledge is a big guy's challenge, and I'm quite demure, as you see.
  • not: Mr Wood expressed his concern but did not demure.
  • yet: To A Daisy Daisies tall, yet demure, along our way, With golden eyes they peep from lacy frills.

Modifies a noun

  • mph: River explorer makes it's a tough demure mph that th st suite.
  • look: By his expression, Scipius clearly thought the same thing, but the demure look on the girl's face disarmed reproof.
  • wife: Instead of a demure wife to complete the picture, Tim's resident lady is half his age and a composer.
  • dress: Very demure early 60's cocktail dress in corded black lace, with black acetate lining.
  • dog: What he saw was a drinking fountain on top of which sat a demure life-size bronze dog.

Used with adjective complement

  • look: We're supposed to sit quietly, smiling sweetly and looking demure while the menfolk take command.
  • do: Mr Wood expressed his concern but did not demure.