What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demure
Example
She was demure and soft-spoken, never drawing attention to herself. [demure: adjective]
Example
The demure young lady blushed when complimented on her dress. [demure: adjective]
bashful
Example
He was bashful around strangers and avoided eye contact. [bashful: adjective]
Example
The little girl was too bashful to perform in front of the crowd. [bashful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bashful is more commonly used than demure in everyday language. Bashful is versatile and can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors and situations, while demure is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between demure and bashful?
Both demure and bashful are considered formal words and may not be used in casual conversations. However, demure is often associated with a more polite and refined tone, while bashful can be used in a more informal or playful context.