Demure
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.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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everyday
Fits when low volume is all that is known
Careful Quiet says nothing about modesty.
-
everyday
shy
Fits when social unease explains the quietness
Careful Demure can be deliberate without anxiety.
-
warm
Fits when lack of boastfulness deserves praise
Careful Modest also concerns claims and clothing, not only manner.
-
professional
reserved
Fits when someone limits emotional display
Careful Reserved lacks the graceful modesty often suggested by demure.
-
professional
subdued
Fits when behavior is deliberately low-key
Careful Subdued can result from sadness or suppression.
-
formal
retiring
Fits when a person habitually avoids notice
Careful Retiring sounds old-fashioned and implies stronger withdrawal.
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literary
coy
Fits when reserve is playful or withholding
Careful Coy can suggest manipulation or affected innocence.
Opposites 4
- bold
- outspoken
- flamboyant
- brazen
Common phrases 4
-
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.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Demure has often been applied to women and can reward submissiveness or affected modesty; use it only for genuinely chosen reserve.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: EncycloPetey, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated