demurral
1
8.9
- noun
- /dɪˈmɜrəl/
- Formal
- He expressed his demurral formally, stating that he could not agree with the new policy changes.
Examples
-
Her demurral suggests another perceived obstacle for reviewers: the overwrought, sentimental language of the majority of novels they encountered and its association with women writers and readers.
Academic text (2010) -
There were friendly demurrals.
Fiction book (2001) -
For the older generation, the crisis was upon them; the alarm was given, and the imperative of action left no room for demurral.
Academic text (2001) -
Well, now there seem to be some mild demurrals.
Blog text (31) -
While seemingly straightforward, there are demurrals.
Blog text (5) -
It also encounters significant demurral from gay activists working in the political and legal arenas.
Academic text (1995) -
Gently but firmly, Weyrleader and Harper gave him a final push, smiling and nodding and totally ignoring his repeated demurrals.
Fiction book (1991) -
Paris's demurral in protesting Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland on 7 March 1936 met a wary response from the Balkan and Little Ententes.
Academic text (1995) -
In social situations, it can refer to common (universal?) human courtesies: refraining from jumping ahead of others, hesitating to impose on others, not grabbing at offers without first making humble demurrals, etc.
Blog text (34) -
And as demonstrated by Huxley's demurral, the aphorism popularized by Linnaeus and embraced as fundamental by Darwin and Marshall represents no self-evident truth, but a testable claim that might more often be wrong than right.
Academic text (1992)
Synonyms
187
4.0
Refusal to accept a change or new rule
31
2.8
A formal statement that says you strongly disagree, often given in writing
10
7.4
A strong statement that shows you disagree or say something is not true
1
9.8
A formal spoken or written complaint showing strong disagreement
1
9.9
A formal court objection that says the other side's claim is not legally valid without denying the facts
1
9.5
A strong, formal protest that shows serious disagreement
1
9.9
An official objection that the facts do not make a legal case
Antonyms
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Demurral comes from the verb demur, which originally meant 'to delay' and comes from Latin morari 'to delay'. So a demurral is a formal 'objection' or 'refusal', like pausing or holding back instead of agreeing.