adjective
demure
dih-MYOOR
adjective
1
Quiet, modest, and reserved in manner.
"She gave a demure smile and looked away."
"His demure response surprised everyone expecting a bold comeback."
2
Putting on an exaggerated show of modesty or seriousness.
"His demure expression didn't fool anyone who knew him well."
How to Use Demure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving in a shy, modest, and understated way.
Common pairings
demure smile
demure and mindful
demure manner
Word Forms
demurer comparative, demured past tense, demures singular, demurest superlative
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Etymology
From Anglo-Norman de mure port, "with a mature bearing," related to Old French meur (mature), from Latin mātūrus.