• Demure

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /dɪˈmjÊŠÉ™(ɹ)/
    • US IPA: /dɪˈmjʊɹ/
    Distinguish from pronunciation of demur

    Origin

    From Old French meur (Modern French mûr) from Latin maturus. The "de-" is "of", of modesty.

    Full definition of demure

    Adjective

    demure

    1. Quiet, modest, reserved, sober, or serious.She is a demure young lady.
    2. Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity.
      • L'EstrangeA cat lay, and looked so demure, as if there had been neither life nor soul in her.
      • Miss MitfordMiss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head.

    Derived terms

    Verb

    1. (obsolete) To look demurely.Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes... shall acquire no Honour Demuring upon me. – Shakespeare (1623) Antony & Cleopatra Act 4, Sc 16, Ln 30
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