Word
demure
Meanings
Quiet and modest in behavior or appearance; reserved in a polite way.
Intentionally or unnaturally modest-looking; seeming shy as a social performance.
Definition
Quiet, modest, and slightly shy in a way that is socially reserved.
Demure describes someone’s manner as quiet, modest, and reserved, often with a gentle or shy quality. It is commonly used for behavior, facial expressions, or a way of speaking rather than for skills or abilities. Depending on context, it can sound positive (polite and composed) or slightly critical (overly restrained or affected).
Examples
- She offered a demure smile when the host introduced her to the panel.
- I kept my comments demure during the meeting, letting others take the spotlight.
- They adopted a demure posture for the photographs, even though they were laughing a moment earlier.
- He seemed demure at first, but his questions revealed a sharp, curious mind.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse demure with demur (a verb meaning to object), but demure is an adjective describing a reserved manner.
More at C1 level
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More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.