adjective

demure

/dɪˈmjʊr/ · say it: dih·MYUR

reserved, modest, and shy

In more detail

1. (adjective) quiet, serious, and well-behaved; not drawing attention to yourself

2. (adjective) modest and reserved, especially about your appearance or behavior in a way that some people think is old-fashioned

Examples

1. She had a demure manner and rarely spoke in large groups.
2. The demure dress code of the 1950s included long skirts and covered shoulders.

How to use demure

Demure describes someone who is quiet, well-behaved, and understated, often avoiding attention or ostentation. It can carry slightly old-fashioned or literary connotations, and sometimes implies a deliberate presentation of modesty rather than necessarily reflecting one's true nature. It is more commonly used in formal or written contexts than in everyday speech.

Common phrases

demure manner
demure appearance
demure smile
demure dress
demure behavior
appear demure

Synonyms

modest · reserved · quiet · shy · retiring

Opposites

bold · outgoing · flamboyant

Word family

demurely (adverb) · demureness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse demure with demanding or obscure; demure actually means the opposite of attention-seeking and has nothing to do with being difficult or hard to understand.

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