demi-

American  

1. a combining form appearing in loanwords from French meaning “half ” (demilune ), “lesser” (demitasse ), or sometimes used with a pejorative sense (demimonde ); on this model, also prefixed to words of English origin (demigod ).

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demi- British  

prefix

1. half Compare hemi- semi-

   demirelief

2. of less than full size, status, or rank

   demigod

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Etymology

Origin of demi-

< French, combining form representing demi (adj.; also noun and adv.) < Vulgar Latin *dīmedius, for Latin dīmidius half, equivalent to dī- di- ² + medius middle

Example Sentences

At least four thousand men were engaged in this chief attack, and the light now permitted the besieged to direct their fire from cannon, demi- cannon, culverin, and snaphance, with fatal effect.

From History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1600-02 by Motley, John Lothrop

Adj. bisected &c. v.; cloven, cleft; bipartite, biconjugate†, bicuspid, bifid; bifurcous†, bifurcate, bifurcated; distichous, dichotomous, furcular†; semi-, demi-, hemi†.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark

This is not, however, the place to recall the stupendous enterprises of Bonaparte, which remind one of the deeds of the heroes and demi- gods of ancient Greece, or the nursery tales of extraordinary beings.

From Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)

Nataly heard him at night, on a moan: 'Poor soul!' and loudly once while performing an abrupt demi- vault from back to side: 'Perhaps now!' in a voice through doors.

From One of Our Conquerors — Volume 3 by Meredith, George

Beyrout is demi- fashionable, semi-European; but Damascus is the heart of the East, and there is no taint of Europeanism about it.

From The Romance of Isabel Lady Burton Volume II by Wilkins, W. H.