different between sheepish vs demure

English

Etymology

From sheep +? -ish.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??i?p??/

Adjective

sheepish (comparative more sheepish, superlative most sheepish)

1. Having the characteristics of a sheep.
2. Shy, meek, shameful or embarrassed.

Derived terms

• sheepishly
• sheepishness

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English demure, demwre, of uncertain formation, but probably from Old French meur (Modern French mûr) from Latin maturus. The "de-" is "of", as in "of maturity".

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d??mj??(?)/
• (US) IPA^(key): /d??mj??/

Distinguish from pronunciation of demur

• Rhymes: -??(?)
• Rhymes: -??(?)

Adjective

demure (comparative demurer, superlative demurest)

1. (usually of women) Quiet, modest, reserved, sober, or serious.

   She is a demure young lady.

   • 1881, William Black, The Beautiful Wretch

     Nan was very much delighted in her demure way, and that delight showed itself in her face and in her clear bright eyes.
2. Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity.
   • c. 1824, Mary Russell Mitford, Walks in the Country

     Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head.

Derived terms

• as demure as a whore at a christening
• demurely
• demureness

Translations

Verb

demure (third-person singular simple present demures, present participle demuring, simple past and past participle demured)

1. (obsolete) To look demurely.
   • 1623, William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra (act 4, scene 16, line 30)

     Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes […] shall acquire no Honour Demuring upon me.