Words / C2

di-MUR/dɪˈmɜː/

To demur is to raise an objection or show reluctance (formal): demur at the plan, without demur. To object in everyday talk is to disagree; dissent (already in the dictionary) is public disagreement, and to cavil (already in the dictionary) is to raise petty objections — a cousin of nitpicking, not of a real pause. To capitulate (already in the dictionary) is to surrender. Corridor hesitation is not a record.

Meaning

To raise an objection or show reluctance (formal).

Examples

• “Demur in the minutes; a corridor hesitation is not a record.”
• “Dissent is public disagreement (already in C1). To cavil is to nitpick (already in C2). To capitulate is to surrender (already in C2) — the contrast. A dated objection can still be civil. A pause in the stairwell is theatre. Put the ask on paper; then the pathos.”

Good to know

Object mildly; hesitate (formal). Close: dissent (already in C1). Contrast: cavil (petty — already in C2); capitulate (surrender — already in C2). A corridor is not a minute.

Near in meaning

object, protest, hesitate, dissent

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