Demure means modest or reserved in manner or behavior, often implying a shy or decorous bearing. It describes someone who presents themselves with quiet, unassuming propriety rather than boldness or flirtation. The term carries a refined, sometimes old-fashioned nuance, suggesting conventional propriety.
"She wore a demure dress to the gala, avoiding loud colors and flashy jewelry."
"His demure response masked his true opinions, which were more assertive than he let on."
"In the interview, she gave a demure smile and answered questions with measured, careful phrasing."
"The demure decor of the room contributed to a calm, dignified atmosphere."
Demure comes from the Middle English demure, borrowed from the Old French demurer, which meant to delay, to linger, or to be slow. The sense evolution tracks with the medieval notion of modesty associated with restraint or being proper in behavior and appearance. The root is likely a blend of Latin demonium (dignity) and old French pourmettre, but the modern sense solidified in English in the 16th century as a compliment or decorous conduct. Over time, demure broadened to describe not only behavior but appearance—especially clothing and demeanor—connoting a subdued elegance rather than overt confidence. Although sometimes used interchangeably with shy, demure more precisely signals propriety and measured reserve rather than outright timidity. In contemporary usage, the word often suggests a refined modesty that is aesthetically appropriate for formal or polite contexts rather than a personal lack of intention or capability.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Demure" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Demure" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Demure"
-ure sounds
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Pronounce as /dɪˈmjʊər/ in US and /dɪˈmjuːə/ in UK and AU; the primary stress is on the second syllable: di-MYUR. Start with a light /d/, then a short /ɪ/ or /ɪ–/ leading into /m/ and the /j/ glide. The final /ər/ is a rhotic schwa in US; in non-rhotic accents you may hear a schwa-like ending. Audio examples: think of 'demi-ur' with the /j/ forming a /mj/ cluster.
Common errors: treating it as de-MURE with a flat 'mure' ending; dropping the y-glide and turning /mj/ into /m/ or /j/; misplacing stress as on the first syllable. Correction: emphasize the second syllable with /ˈmjʊər/ after the initial /dɪ/. Ensure you produce the /j/ as a brief palatal approximant moving into /ɹ/ or /ə/ depending on accent; keep the final schwa-like line for US rhotic or a lighter /ə/ in non-rhotic varieties.
In US, stress on the second syllable with a rhotic /ɹ/ at the end: /dɪˈmjuɚ/ or /dɪˈmjʊɹ/. UK often reduces the ending to /-ə/ or /-ə/ with non-rhoticity; /dɪˈmjuːə/ is common. Australian tends to align with UK patterns, with a clear /j/ glide before the final /ə/ or /ə/ sound and less rhoticity compared to US. The core is the /ˈmjʊər/ sequence, but the vowel length and rhoticity shift accents the ending.
The challenge lies in the /mj/ onset after /dɪ/. The transition from a short /ɪ/ to the palatal /j/ and then the diphthong-like /ju/ or /juː/ requires precise tongue blade elevation and jaw openness. The ending /ər/ in US rhotic speech can blur to a schwa plus r, while non-rhotic accents shorten or omit the /r/. Mastery demands practice of the tight /mj/ cluster and subtle vowel length variation.
There isn't a traditionally silent letter in demure. The challenge is the /mj/ consonant cluster and the vowel quality in the second syllable. The 'e' at the end is often a subtle schwa /ə/ in US, or a light /ə/ in UK/AU; it isn’t silent, it shapes the final vowel.
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