Demur vs. Demure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Demur means to object or show hesitation, while Demure describes someone as reserved, modest, or shy.
Difference Between Demur and Demure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Demur is a verb describing the act of showing reluctance or objecting to something. Contrarily, demure, an adjective, describes a reserved or modest demeanor, typically attributed to behavior or appearance.
When one demurs, they raise concerns or objections, potentially resisting a suggestion. In contrast, someone who is demure presents themselves as shy, reserved, or modest, perhaps avoiding the spotlight or assertive actions.
Demur tends to reflect an active resistance or opposition to a proposal or situation. Whereas demure paints a picture of a person who is quietly reserved or understated in demeanor and presentation.
The usage of demur usually involves a scenario involving decision-making or agreement. While employing demure might be to describe someone’s gentle, quiet, or modest character or appearance.
Demur involves a subtle yet firm expression of disagreement or reluctance. On the other hand, a demure personality or appearance implies a soft, modest, and reserved nature, often perceived as polite or refined.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adjective
Definition
To object or show reluctance
Reserved, modest, or shy
Synonyms
Object, resist
Shy, reserved, modest
Antonyms
Agree, acquiesce
Bold, brash
Usage
Involves an action or decision-making
Describes a personality or appearance
Compare with Definitions
Demur
Expressing Objection
She began to demur when asked to work overtime.
Demure
Reflecting Gentleness
His demure nature was calming to those around him.
Demur
Manifesting Opposition
Citizens can demur against governmental decisions.
Demure
Displaying Politeness
Her demure behavior was appreciated at the formal gathering.
Demur
Offering Resistance
Despite the pressure, she decided to demur.
Demure
Exhibiting Modesty
Her demure demeanor was noticed by all.
Demur
Expressing Doubt
He will likely demur because of the potential risks involved.
Demure
(of a woman or her behaviour) reserved, modest, and shy
I shared a compartment with a child and his demure governess
Demur
Showing Reluctance
He did not demur when presented with the additional workload.
Demure
Modest and reserved in manner or behavior.
Demur
Raise objections or show reluctance
Normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred
Demure
Characterized by or suggestive of reserve or modesty
A demure smile.
A demure outfit.
Demur
The action of objecting to or hesitating over something
They accepted this ruling without demur
Demure
Quiet, modest, reserved, sober, or serious.
She is a demure young lady.
Demur
To voice opposition; object
Demurred at the suggestion.
Demure
Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity.
Demur
(Law) To enter a demurrer.
Demure
(obsolete) To look demurely.
Demur
(Archaic) To delay.
Demure
Of sober or serious mien; composed and decorous in bearing; of modest look; staid; grave.
Sober, steadfast, and demure.
Nan was very much delighted in her demure way, and that delight showed itself in her face and in her clear bright eyes.
Demur
The act of demurring.
Demure
Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity.
A cat lay, and looked so demure, as if there had been neither life nor soul in her.
Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head.
Demur
An objection.
Demure
To look demurely.
Demur
To linger; to stay; to tarry
Demure
Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
Demur
(intransitive) To delay; to pause; to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty; to hesitate; to put off the determination or conclusion of an affair.
Demure
Presenting Shyness
Despite her talents, she remained demure and unassuming.
Demur
(intransitive) To scruple or object; to take exception; to oppose; to balk
I demur to that statement.
The personnel demurred at the management's new scheme.
Demure
Showcasing Reservedness
She gave a demure smile in response to the compliments.
Demur
To interpose a demurrer.
Demur
To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate about
Demur
To cause delay to; to put off
Demur
An act of hesitation as to proceeding; a scruple; also, a suspension of action or decision; a pause, a stop.
Demur
To linger; to stay; to tarry.
Yet durst not demur nor abide upon the camp.
Demur
To delay; to pause; to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty; to hesitate; to put off the determination or conclusion of an affair.
Upon this rub, the English embassadors thought fit to demur.
Demur
To scruple or object; to take exception, especailly on the basis of scruple or modesty; as, I demur to that statement; they wanted to make him president, but he demurred.
When introduced as the world's smartest man, he was not inclined to demur.
Demur
To interpose a demurrer. See Demurrer, 2.
Demur
To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate about.
The latter I demur, for in their looksMuch reason, and in their actions, oft appears.
Demur
To cause delay to; to put off.
He demands a fee,And then demurs me with a vain delay.
Demur
Stop; pause; hesitation as to proceeding; suspense of decision or action; scruple.
All my demurs but double his attacks;At last he whispers, "Do; and we go snacks."
Demur
(law) a formal objection to an opponent's pleadings
Demur
Take exception to;
He demurred at my suggestion to work on Saturday
Demur
Enter a demurrer
Common Curiosities
Is demure a verb?
No, demure is an adjective.
Can you demur politely?
Yes, you can demur politely by expressing your objections or reluctance gracefully.
What does demure describe?
Demure describes someone or something as reserved, modest, or shy.
Can demur be used as an adjective?
No, demur is primarily used as a verb.
How to use demur in a sentence?
"She decided to demur when asked to take on additional responsibilities."
Can you demur in writing?
Yes, you can demur in writing by expressing your objections or concerns.
How to remember the meaning of demure?
Associate demure with "pure" – implying modesty and reservation.
What is demur?
Demur means to object or show reluctance.
Can a man be described as demure?
Yes, a man can be described as demure, meaning he is reserved or modest.
Can a proposal be demur?
No, demur is not an adjective; it cannot describe a proposal.
Can an action be demure?
Typically no, demure generally describes a characteristic rather than an action.
Can a place be described as demure?
While unconventional, a place might be described as demure metaphorically, suggesting it is quiet or modest.
Can an outfit be demure?
Yes, an outfit can be described as demure if it is modest or reserved in style.
What’s a synonym for demure?
A synonym for demure is "reserved."
How do you remember the meaning of demur?
Remember demur as "don't be sure" – showing reluctance or objection.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
