demurely

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Definition:

"Demurely" is an adverb that describes a way of behaving that is modest, shy, or reserved. When someone acts demurely, they are often quiet and don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves.

Usage Instructions:

Use "demurely" to describe how someone behaves, particularly in a way that is modest or reserved. It often applies to women or girls, but it can be used for anyone.

Example:

• "The army girl, tall and demurely pretty, threw a quick side-glance at her."
  • In this example, the girl is pretty but behaves in a shy or modest way.

Advanced Usage:

In literature or more formal writing, "demurely" can describe not just behavior but also emotions or thoughts that are held back or not expressed openly.

Word Variants:

• Demure (adjective): This is the base form of the word. For example, "She wore a demure dress."
• Demureness (noun): This refers to the quality of being demure. For example, "Her demureness made her stand out in the lively crowd."

Different Meanings:

While "demurely" primarily means modest or reserved, it can also imply a playful shyness in certain contexts.

Synonyms:

Some synonyms for "demurely" include: - Modestly - Shyly - Reservedly - Reticently

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "demurely," but you might encounter expressions related to modesty or shyness, such as: - "Playing hard to get" (acting shy in a flirtatious way) - "Keep a low profile" (to avoid attracting attention)

Summary:

In summary, "demurely" is an adverb that describes a modest or reserved manner of behavior. It can be used to highlight someone’s quiet charm or shyness.

Academic

Adverb

1. in a demure manner
   • the army girl, tall and demurely pretty, threw a quick side-glance at her