Demur: meaning, definitions and examples

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demur

 

[dษชหˆmษœr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

expressing doubt

To demur means to raise doubts or objections. It is often used in legal contexts, indicating a formal response to a complaint or charge. The act of demurring can involve disagreeing with a proposal or action, highlighting concerns or reservations. It may also imply a hesitation or reluctance to agree.

Synonyms

disagree, object, oppose, protest.

Examples of usage

  • She chose to demur when asked about the controversial policy.
  • The lawyer decided to demur to the plaintiff's claims.
  • Despite initial acceptance, he later demurred to the plan.
  • During the meeting, several members demurred on the proposed budget cuts.
Context #2 | Noun

legal objection

Demur as a noun refers to the act of raising objections or the formal objection itself, usually in a legal setting. It serves as a response that challenges the validity of the opponent's claims or the legal sufficiency of a pleading. A demur can lead to further legal proceedings or discussions about the merits of the case.

Synonyms

challenge, objection, protest.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant filed a demur to dispute the allegations.
  • The judge ruled on the demur presented by the defense.
  • In court, he submitted a demur, claiming insufficient evidence.
  • Her demur was based on procedural issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'demorari,' meaning 'to delay' or 'to linger.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally used in a legal context.
  • Over time, 'demur' evolved to encompass the broader idea of hesitation or objection.

Law

  • In legal terminology, a demurrer is a formal response to a complaint stating that even if the facts are true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.
  • This practice allows a defendant to challenge the sufficiency of the plaintiff's claims without responding to the merits.
  • Demurrer can be seen as a strategic move in court, indicating a need for clearer or stronger arguments.

Psychology

  • Demurring can be a defense mechanism where individuals avoid direct confrontation, preferring a more passive approach.
  • This behavior often aligns with personality traits like agreeableness or a fear of conflict.
  • People who demur might struggle with assertiveness, finding it challenging to express their true opinions openly.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often demur in the face of authority, showcasing their internal conflict and moral dilemmas.
  • Demurring has been used by various authors to create tension, portraying characters caught between duty and desire.
  • Shakespeare's works often feature demurring characters, who grapple with their feelings and societal expectations.

Pop Culture

  • In TV shows, characters frequently demur during negotiations or confrontations, using humor or wit to defuse tension.
  • Demurring is a common trope in romantic comedies, where characters hesitate before expressing their true feelings, adding to the drama.
  • Songs often reflect themes of demurring, where the artist expresses reluctance in relationships or decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "demur" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น objecรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคชเคคเฅเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Widerspruch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ keberatan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะฟะตั€ะตั‡ะตะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sprzeciw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็•ฐ่ญฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท objection

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ objeciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท itiraz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุนุชุฑุงุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรกmitek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรกmietka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผ‚่ฎฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ugovor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ andmรฆli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ัั‹ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒแƒฆแƒ›แƒ“แƒ”แƒ’แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ etiraz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ objeciรณn

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,222, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.