demure
Shy and proper
Demure describes a modest, reserved manner—quiet and unassuming, often with downcast eyes: She gave a demure smile.
The word typically applies to women and suggests restrained, proper behavior.
It can carry a hint of affectation, implying the modesty is performed rather than genuine: a demure look that didn't fool anyone.
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- coyAffectedly modest
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
meek · shrinking · unassertive · hesitant · sheepish · blushing · retiring · mousy
Abstaining from sexual activity
- decorousSocially appropriate, dignified
- properSocially appropriate
- dignifiedComposed and respectable
- tastefulAesthetically appropriate and pleasing
understated · unpretentious · restrained · sober · temperate · austere · plain · simple
Showing respectful consideration
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- well-manneredPolite and respectful
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- civilMinimally polite
deferential · considerate · genteel · cultured · proper · decorous · chivalrous · obliging
Disinclined to speak freely
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- guardedWary and restrained
- self-containedWhole without external parts
private · cool · distant · undemonstrative · discreet · taciturn · self-possessed · composed
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
self-conscious · meek · shrinking · unassertive · hesitant · sheepish · blushing · retiring · mousy · wallflower
chaste
Abstaining from sexual activity
tasteful · understated · unpretentious · restrained · sober · temperate · austere · plain · simple · conservative
courteous
Showing respectful consideration
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- well-manneredPolite and respectful
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
civil · deferential · considerate · genteel · cultured · proper · decorous · chivalrous · obliging · tactful
soft
Yielding to touch
quiet · serene · calm · placid · soothing · graceful · ladylike · dainty · refined · elegant
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- guardedWary and restrained
self-contained · private · cool · distant · undemonstrative · discreet · taciturn · self-possessed · composed · poised
- humilityhumbleness, humble, meekness, modesty, lowliness
- gracegracefulness, elegance, poise, finesse, fluidity
- feminine traitsfeminine, womanly, ladylike, girlish, motherly
- cowardicecoward, cowardly, craven, gutless, spineless
- discretiondiscreet, discretion, subtle, understated, unobtrusive
- introvertsintrovert, introverted, shy, reserved, loner
demureoutgoing
Sociable and unreserved
extroverted · gregarious · uninhibited · unreserved · extraverted
demurewanton
Deliberately cruel without reason
brazen · immodest · provocative · salacious · licentious