What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maidish
Example
She always speaks in a maidish tone, as if she's afraid of offending anyone. [maidish: adjective]
Example
The new intern was so maidish, she wouldn't even look her boss in the eye. [maidish: adjective]
demure
Example
She wore a demure dress to the party, which covered her shoulders and went down to her knees. [demure: adjective]
Example
The demure girl blushed when he complimented her on her hair. [demure: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Demure is more commonly used than maidish in everyday language. Demure is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while maidish is less common and may be considered old-fashioned or pejorative.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maidish and demure?
Both maidish and demure are associated with a formal tone, but demure is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.