Demure

adj.calm, thoughtfulliterary

What it means

Quietly reserved and modest in manner or appearance.

Reach for it when describing chosen restraint when its social and gendered overtones fit

The usually demure violinist accepted the applause with a small smile.

everyday
quiet
when low volume is all that is known
not when Quiet says nothing about modesty.
everyday
shy
when social unease explains the quietness
not when Demure can be deliberate without anxiety.
warm
modest
when lack of boastfulness deserves praise
not when Modest also concerns claims and clothing, not only manner.
professional
reserved
when someone limits emotional display
not when Reserved lacks the graceful modesty often suggested by demure.
professional
subdued
when behavior is deliberately low-key
not when Subdued can result from sadness or suppression.
formal
retiring
when a person habitually avoids notice
not when Retiring sounds old-fashioned and implies stronger withdrawal.
literary
coy
when reserve is playful or withholding
not when Coy can suggest manipulation or affected innocence.

demure smile
A demure smile appeared when the audience recognized her arrangement.
demure manner
His demure manner contrasted with the bright, inventive set.
look demure
The high collar made the vivid costume look demure.
deceptively demure
The deceptively demure cover opened onto a fiercely comic novel.

Demure has often been applied to women and can reward submissiveness or affected modesty; use it only for genuinely chosen reserve.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.