Demurring: meaning, definitions and examples

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demurring

 

[ dɪˈmɜːrɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

expressing disagreement

Demurring refers to the act of expressing doubt, hesitation, or objection to something. It often implies a reluctance to agree or comply with a request or proposal. This can be seen in both formal and informal contexts, where someone may not fully endorse an idea but may also not outright reject it. The term can encompass a range of emotional responses, from mild disagreement to significant concern about the implications of an action or decision.

Synonyms

disagreeing, hesitating, objecting, refusing, wavering

Examples of usage

  • She was demurring at the terms of the contract.
  • He demurred to the suggestion of changing the project's scope.
  • Despite his initial eagerness, he found himself demurring at the final proposal.

Translations

Translations of the word "demurring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 objecionando

🇮🇳 विरोध करना

🇩🇪 widersprechend

🇮🇩 menolak

🇺🇦 заперечуючи

🇵🇱 przecząc

🇯🇵 異議を唱える

🇫🇷 s'opposant

🇪🇸 oponiéndose

🇹🇷 itiraz eden

🇰🇷 이의를 제기하는

🇸🇦 معترضًا

🇨🇿 odporující

🇸🇰 odporujúci

🇨🇳 反对

🇸🇮 nasprotujoč

🇮🇸 mótmælir

🇰🇿 қарсылық білдіру

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგობა

🇦🇿 etiraz edən

🇲🇽 oponiéndose

Word origin

The term 'demurring' comes from the Middle English 'demurren', which traces its roots back to the Latin word 'demorari', meaning 'to delay or linger'. This Latin origin highlights the connotation of hesitation and reluctance that is inherent in the word. Initially used in legal contexts, where one party might 'demur' to the validity of an argument or claim, it has since evolved into broader usage describing any act of hesitation or refusal to accept an idea without outright rejecting it. The transition from a strict legal term to a more general term for expressing doubt reflects the changing dynamics of language and its adaptation to various contexts and social interactions. The word has maintained a sense of formality, often found in discussions that require a thoughtful approach to disagreement or reluctance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,725, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.