demuring
Raising modest objections
Demuring is holding back or raising objections, typically with modest reluctance rather than forceful refusal.
Someone demuring at a request hesitates to accept: She kept demuring when we offered to pay for dinner.
The word suggests polite resistance or coy reluctance rather than outright rejection.
Delay from uncertainty
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- disinclinationLack of desire
refusal · declining · wavering · balking · holding back · dissent · reservations · misgivings
Negotiation between nations
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
circumspection · considerateness · subtlety · judiciousness · thoughtfulness · politeness · courtesy · deference
Freedom from arrogance
- self-effacementDownplaying one's importance
- unpretentiousnessAbsence of showiness
- unassumingnessAbsence of self-importance
- diffidenceModest self-distrust
meekness · bashfulness · coyness · reserve · restraint · understatement · simplicity · decorum
Timid self-consciousness
- timidityFearful lack of courage
- reticenceHabitual verbal restraint
- coynessAffected reluctance or shyness
- self-consciousnessUncomfortable awareness of oneself
inhibition · withdrawal · meekness · diffidence · quietness · reserve · introversion · sheepishness
hesitation
Delay from uncertainty
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
disinclination · refusal · declining · wavering · balking · holding back · dissent · reservations · misgivings · qualms
diplomacy
Negotiation between nations
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
prudence · circumspection · considerateness · subtlety · judiciousness · thoughtfulness · politeness · courtesy · deference · graciousness
humility
Freedom from arrogance
- self-effacementDownplaying one's importance
- unpretentiousnessAbsence of showiness
- unassumingnessAbsence of self-importance
diffidence · meekness · bashfulness · coyness · reserve · restraint · understatement · simplicity · decorum · propriety
bashfulness
Timid self-consciousness
- timidityFearful lack of courage
- reticenceHabitual verbal restraint
- coynessAffected reluctance or shyness
self-consciousness · inhibition · withdrawal · meekness · diffidence · quietness · reserve · introversion · sheepishness · timorousness
demuringaccepting
Willing to receive
agreeing · consenting · acquiescing · assenting · acceding
demuringasserting
Stating something confidently
insisting · demanding · jumping at · leaping at · seizing
demure, demur, demurely, demurrer, demurral, demurring, demurs, demurred, demured