demur
/dɪˈmɜː/
Group 2Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To raise doubts or objections; to show reluctance GRE
Example in Context
Several committee members demurred when asked to approve the plan without first seeing the financial projections on which it was based.
Synonyms
objectprotesthesitate
Etymology
To hesitate or show reluctance, often delaying an agreement.
- demorari (Latin) — to delay
Memory Aid
🤔Sounds like “demur sounds like 'de-murmur'”
Imagine someone saying 'DE-MURMUR' while hesitating to jump into a swimming pool — they're just not ready!
Visual Association
🛑A person standing at the edge of a diving board, nervously looking down at the water, while friends cheer from below.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “demur” mean on the GRE?
demur (verb) means “To raise doubts or objections; to show reluctance”. Several committee members demurred when asked to approve the plan without first seeing the financial projections on which it was based.
How to remember “demur” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “demur” sounds like “demur sounds like 'de-murmur'”. Imagine someone saying 'DE-MURMUR' while hesitating to jump into a swimming pool — they're just not ready!
What are synonyms for “demur”?
Common synonyms: object, protest, hesitate.