demur — to raise doubts or objections; to hesitate or show reluctance
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to raise doubts or objections; to hesitate or show reluctance
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmɜːr/
Example Sentences
- When the boss suggested a company trip to Antarctica, most employees politely demurred.
- The lawyer demurred at the unusual request to defend a talking parrot in court.
- She accepted the job offer without demur, despite the early morning start time.
demur
VERB[/dɪˈmɜːr/]
to raise doubts or objections; to hesitate or show reluctance
The junior lawyer began to demur when asked to sign the shady contract.
He murmurs 'de...de...' — demurring, hesitant to object!
She must demur when risks occur, though others prefer to defer!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French demorer meaning 'to delay or linger,' which came from Latin demorari meaning 'to delay or hold back.' Over time, the meaning evolved from simply delaying to hesitating or objecting.
Breakdown
de- (away/from) + morari (to delay/linger) - the sense shifted from physical delay to mental hesitation or objection
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the boss suggested a company trip to Antarctica, most employees politely demurred.”
“The lawyer demurred at the unusual request to defend a talking parrot in court.”
“She accepted the job offer without demur, despite the early morning start time.”
“The committee members demurred when asked to vote on the controversial proposal immediately.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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