demureness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'demureness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is defined as the quality of being modest, shy, or reserved in behavior. Example: Despite the grandeur of the occasion, the young princess maintained an air of demureness throughout the entire ceremony, never once seeking attention or drawing the spotlight towards herself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But the reason for sitting like a twining vine might not be feminine demureness.

The New York Times

In Ms. Akers's shows a certain demureness always obtains.

The New York Times - Arts

Restrained by my in-laws' expectations of demureness, I turned to my sister with gritted teeth and said, "Tell my friend to come back here and sit with me".

The Guardian - Opinion

But for those who recognise in Brookner not anguish but deep intelligence, and not demureness but an extraordinary, deceptive toughness, it will exceed expectations.

The Guardian - Books

So what is dramatised in these characters is not the traditional single-girl qualities of vivacity or demureness, comically flavoured with man-pleasing sexiness or anxious self-doubt, but the bridesmaids' competitive sense of themselves as successful or otherwise: at home, in business and in the wider world.

The Guardian - Film

Foster's Reichstag dome has none of this sickening pomp – indeed, the renovated parliamentary quarter overall has a strange demureness about it, as if the foursquare building that in 1995 was "wrapped" in silvery-grey fabric by the artist Christo had remained decently draped.

The Guardian

There's a certain enforced demureness that works.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A joke of demureness.

The New Yorker

Ms. Moore brings to the role the same luminous demureness that colors her portrayal of an innocent, well-meaning Connecticut housewife whose world shatters in "Far From Heaven".

The New York Times

Before long, Lilia is leading a double life, acting the sober, grieving widow by day, and in the evenings working as a costume designer and part-time dancer at the club, where her underlying demureness lends her an air of mystery that makes her all the more alluring.

The New York Times

For all its demureness, "Restless" captures some of the excitement of youthful romance in which the partners aren't just separate individuals but the products of divergent cultures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demureness", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended nuance. It often implies a deliberate choice of modesty or reserve, rather than simple shyness.

Common error

Avoid equating "demureness" with a lack of strength or intelligence. The quality of being reserved and modest is not an indicator of someone's capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demureness" is that of a noun. It represents the state or quality of being demure. This is supported by Ludwig, which defines it as "the state or quality of being demure."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demureness" is a noun denoting the quality of being demure, often implying modesty, shyness, or reserve. Ludwig provides several examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its correct and acceptable usage in written English. While predominantly found in News & Media, "demureness" maintains a neutral tone and is best employed when accuracy and nuance are desired in describing someone's behavior or demeanor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is usable and understood in various contexts, marking it as a valuable term in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modesty

Focuses on the aspect of humility and propriety.

shyness

Emphasizes the timid and reserved nature.

reserve

Highlights the quality of being restrained and self-controlled.

coyness

Suggests a playful or flirtatious shyness.

bashfulness

Indicates a reluctance to draw attention.

reticence

Implies a disinclination to speak freely.

diffidence

Highlights a lack of self-confidence.

timidity

Emphasizes fearfulness or hesitation.

unassertiveness

Focuses on the lack of a strong or forceful personality.

submissiveness

Suggests a willingness to yield to others.

FAQs

How can I use "demureness" in a sentence?

You can use "demureness" to describe a quality of modesty or shyness in behavior. For example, "Her "demureness" was often misinterpreted as a lack of confidence."

What words are similar to "demureness"?

Synonyms for "demureness" include "modesty", "shyness", and "reserve". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to describe someone as "demure" or "shy"?

While both words relate to reserve, "demure" often suggests a cultivated or deliberate modesty, whereas "shy" implies a more inherent timidity. Consider the context to decide which best fits the situation.

Can "demureness" be a negative trait?

In some contexts, "demureness" can be perceived negatively if it's seen as excessive or insincere. However, generally, it's a neutral trait, and its impact depends on the cultural and social setting.