Demure
mediumNeutral tonedih-MYOOR
adjective
Definition
Reserved, modest, and shy; affectedly modest
Memory hook
DE-MURE: a demure person stays behind the MURAL (wall) — modest, reserved, and shy.
Examples
“Her demure smile concealed a fierce determination.”
“The actress played a demure young woman in the period drama.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Her ______ smile concealed a fierce determination.”
Show answer
demure
Categories
GRE Tip
Demure is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "modest" or "reserved" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "bold".
Related GRE Words
uncommunicative
Unwilling to talk or give out information
taciturn
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
unpretentious
Not attempting to impress others with importance or status; modest
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
bootlicker
A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor; a sycophant
condone
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
Master demure and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.