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DEMURE
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
Synonyms:
coy; demure; overmodest
Classified under:
Similar:
modest (not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance)
Derivation:
demureness (the affectation of being demure in a provocative way)
demureness (the trait of behaving with reserve and decorum)
Context examples:
She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next, a glorious polka redowa.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
For a moment he was silent; and then added, in a tone much more guarded and demure, Yes, Frank came over this morning, just to ask us how we did.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
A girl not out has always the same sort of dress: a close bonnet, for instance; looks very demure, and never says a word.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
That impassive, mask-like face and demure manner could only belong to Ambrose, the former valet of my uncle.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Surprise and satisfaction were both for an instant to be read upon his eager face, though when she glanced round to find out the cause of his silence he had become as demure as ever.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Emma spoke her pity so very kindly, that with a sudden accession of gay thought, he cried, “Ah! by the bye,” then sinking his voice, and looking demure for the moment—“I hope Mr. Knightley is well?
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
The close bonnet and demure air you describe so well (and nothing was ever juster), tell one what is expected; but I got into a dreadful scrape last year from the want of them.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
The demure servant was gone, and there stood in his place a deep and dangerous man, one who might be an ardent lover or a most vindictive foe.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
For my part, I was fidgeting in my seat in my impatience, but my uncle’s calm, pale face and large blue eyes were as tranquil and demure as those of the most unconcerned spectator.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
