Demure: meaning, definitions and examples

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demure

[dɪˈmjʊər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Reserved, modest, and shy. Demure individuals tend to avoid drawing attention to themselves and are often seen as quiet and unassuming.

Synonyms

bashful, modest, reserved, shy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demure	Used to describe someone, typically a woman, who is quiet and well-behaved in a way that is perceived as modest and reserved. 'She gave a demure smile as she accepted the award ' 'Her demure appearance hid a very adventurous spirit '
modest	Refers to someone who does not boast about their abilities, achievements, or possessions, and often downplays their own importance. 'She was modest, never bragging about her success ' 'He always remained modest despite his many accomplishments '
shy	Describes someone who feels nervous or timid in the presence of others, often avoiding social interactions due to discomfort. 'The shy boy found it difficult to make new friends ' 'She was too shy to ask for help '
reserved	Used to describe someone who is quiet and does not show their feelings or thoughts openly, often due to being naturally introverted. 'He is a reserved person who keeps his emotions to himself ' 'She was reserved in her opinions until she had all the facts '
bashful	Often used to describe someone who is shy or easily embarrassed, especially in social situations. 'He was bashful when asked to speak in front of the class ' 'The bashful child hid behind his mother's legs '

Examples of usage

She was known for her demure demeanor in social settings.
The demure girl blushed when complimented on her outfit.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

fashion

Characterized by a modest or reserved appearance, often referring to clothing that is not revealing or attention-seeking.

Synonyms

modest, prim, subtle, understated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demure	This word is often used to describe someone, especially a woman, who is shy, reserved, or modest in a very polite way. She gave a demure smile when she received the compliment
modest	Use this word to describe someone who does not brag about their achievements or talents. It can also refer to someone who prefers simplicity. Despite his incredible success, he remained modest about his accomplishments
understated	This is used to describe something that is attractive because it does not try too hard to be noticeable or flamboyant. It is often used in fashion or design. Her outfit was elegantly understated, with simple lines and muted colors
subtle	This word is used when something is not immediately obvious or noticeable. It implies delicacy and finesse. He made a subtle reference to their previous conversation, which went unnoticed by most of the audience
prim	This word describes someone who is very proper and formal, sometimes excessively so. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if the person is seen as overly stiff or uptight. She always dressed in a prim manner, with her hair neatly tied back and her clothes perfectly pressed

Examples of usage

She chose a demure dress for the formal event.
The actress looked demure in her elegant gown.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'demure' comes from the Old French word 'demourer,' which means 'to stay' or 'to remain,' suggesting a sense of restraint.
It has been used in the English language since the late 15th century, initially denoting someone who was modest in their demeanor.
The term was often used in poetry and literature to depict characters with a soft and modest character, reinforcing societal ideals of femininity.

Literature

In literature, demure characters often serve as contrasts to more bold or flamboyant characters, creating tension and depth in storytelling.
Authors frequently use the traits of demure characters to explore themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal choice.
Famous demure characters include Jane Eyre, who is humble yet strong-willed, embodying the complexities of being modest.

Psychology

Modesty, often associated with being demure, can lead to increased social harmony and lower conflict in interactions.
People who present themselves as demure may also be perceived as more trustworthy, as modesty can signal sincerity and humility.
Shyness, a common characteristic of demure individuals, is linked to anxiety in social situations, affecting how one interacts within groups.

Cultural Perspectives

Cultural attitudes towards demureness vary; in some societies, it is highly valued, especially in traditional gender roles.
In contemporary media, demureness is often juxtaposed with more assertive behaviors, influencing the portrayals of women in films and literature.
The concept of modesty, tied closely to being demure, has inspired fashion trends advocating for more conservative styles in contrast to revealing attire.

Pop Culture

Demure personas have been romantically idealized in films and literature, often leading to the 'manic pixie dream girl' trope where the girl’s shyness sparks adventure.
Many pop songs feature themes of demureness, reflecting the internal struggles between being shy and wanting to be noticed.
Social media has both challenged and reinforced demureness, creating spaces where being shy can sometimes be admired or stigmatized.

Translations

Translations of the word "demure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 modesta

🇮🇳 संकोची

🇩🇪 bescheiden

🇮🇩 pemalu

🇺🇦 скромна

🇵🇱 skromna

🇯🇵 控えめ

🇫🇷 modeste

🇪🇸 modesta

🇹🇷 mütevazı

🇰🇷 겸손한

🇸🇦 متواضعة

🇨🇿 skromná

🇸🇰 skromná

🇨🇳 谦虚的

🇸🇮 skromna

🇮🇸 hógvær

🇰🇿 ұялшақ

🇬🇪 მორცხვი

🇦🇿 təmkinli

🇲🇽 modesta

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,606, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25603 chroma
25604 erectile
25605 typify
25606 demure
25607 cantata
25608 roughing
25609 illiberal
...