YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

demure

Adjective

IPA /dɪˈmjʊə(r)/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Quiet and modest in manner, avoiding bold behaviour or actions that draw other people's attention to you.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

demure/dɪˈmjʊə(r)/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Compare

A bold entrance attracts everyone's attention
A quiet, modest smile draws little attention

A demure manner is quiet and modest, avoiding a bold display.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

She gave a demure smile before accepting the unexpected compliment.
The usually demure student surprised us with a confident presentation.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

She gave a ________ smile before accepting the unexpected compliment.

Show the answer

demure — Quiet and modest in manner, avoiding bold behaviour or actions that draw other people's attention to you.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “demure” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Quiet and modest in manner, avoiding bold behaviour or actions that draw other people's attention to you.

Compare: She gave a demure smile before accepting the unexpected compliment.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Did you know?

Demure can also describe clothing or an expression that suggests a modest, reserved manner.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.