/demure-definition

/demure/

-) Adjective.

-) Pronunciation and accent: dɪmjʊə(r). 

-) Etymology: of uncertain origin. In Walter Skeat’s etymology, we read that the word was principally derived from the Old French combination “de murs” (of good manners), in contradiction to other ones, where the French word mûr (mature) is designated as its origin, and the first syllable de- remains unexplained.

-) 1. -) a. (Of a person) demeaning himself/herself with seriousness, or without frivolity; assuming an attitude contrary to gaiety. -) b. (Of a personal action, of a look, etc.) manifesting demureness.

-) Synonyms for “demure”: serious, staid, grave.

-) Antonyms of “demure”: frivolous, unserious, unstaid.

-) Translation: serio, in Spanish; serio, in Italian; sérieux, in French.

He made her his companion, though she was some years younger than Florence; and she could be as staid and pleasantly demure, with her little book or work-box, as a woman.

Dickens… Dombey and Son… 1848

I was so demure and quiet in talk about women always, and had kept myself so circumspectly, that my mother never had the least suspicion of me, — but in all matters of love and intrigue, mother always seemed to me as innocent as the babe unborn.

Walter… My Secret Life… 1888

 Johnny looked demure and answered "Yes, Aunt Mary," to everything she said.

H. Richardson… Australia Felix… 1917

-) 2. (Of a personal action, etc.) hypocritically or constrainedly serious or coy.

After luncheon, as we were on our way to the dancing arbor, we met the Oakville party with Esther in tow. I was introduced to Mrs. Martin, who, in turn, made me acquainted with her friends, including her sister, perfectly unconscious that we were already more than mere acquaintances. From the demure manner of Esther, who accepted the introduction as a matter of course, I surmised she was concealing our acquaintance from her sister and my rival. 

Andy Adams… A Texas Matchmaker 1904

-) Words derived from “demure”: demureness, demurely, demurity, undemure.