Added 10 October 2026
demure
/dɪˈmjʊə(ɹ)/ adjective
Latin root: mātūrus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about demure at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way.
Origin
Inherited from Middle English demure, demwre, an abbreviation of Anglo-Norman de mure port (“with a mature demeanor”) (compare Old French meur from Latin mātūrus): *si il seyt coy e de mure port (Amur curteiz) (“he sits quietly and with a mature appearance”) * Documents illustrating the history of Scotland, CLV, 1306, Orders for the custody of Scottish prisoners, CLV: …et que eles soient de bon et meur port (“…with a good and mature demeanor”) * mss.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)