demure
/di'mjuə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Affectedly modest or shy, especially in a playful or provocative way: Describes a manner that is coyly reserved, bashful, or decorous, often in a way that is not entirely natural but is put on for effect.
Usage
The adjective "demure" is used to describe a person's demeanor, particularly their behavior, speech, or appearance, which suggests a quiet, reserved, and modest character. This modesty is often perceived as being somewhat studied or affected, rather than completely innate. It is frequently applied to women and girls in a descriptive, and sometimes slightly critical, context.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She gave a demure smile when she was complimented.
- He was surprised by her demure behavior at the party, as she was usually very outgoing.
- The portrait showed her in a demure dress with a high neckline.
Advanced Usage
- "to be demure": to act in a coyly modest manner.
- She knew how to be demure when it suited her purposes.
- "with demure grace": behaving with an air of quiet, reserved elegance.
- She accepted the award with demure grace, thanking everyone briefly.
Variants and Related Words
- Demurely (adverb): in a demure manner.
- She nodded demurely in agreement.
- Demureness (noun): the quality of being demure.
- Her demureness was charming to some but seemed false to others.
Synonyms
- Modest: unassuming in behavior or appearance.
- Coy: pretending shyness or modesty to attract attention.
- Reserved: slow to reveal emotions or opinions.
- Bashful: shy and easily embarrassed.
- Prim: stiffly formal and respectable.
Antonyms
- Bold: confident and courageous; not shy.
- Brazen: bold and without shame.
- Immodest: lacking humility or decency.
- Forward: bold or overfamiliar in manner.
Idioms and Phrases
- A demure exterior: An outward appearance of modesty that may hide a different nature.
- Beneath her demure exterior, she had a fierce and independent mind.
Adjective
- affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way