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

See Examples For:

demi-

The ladies in general wore neither diamonds nor pearls, but a sort of demi- toilet, which would have been pretty if their dresses had been longer and their shoes not so tight.

From Life in Mexico by Madame (Frances Erskine Inglis) Calderón de la Barca

Babbalanja, you have indeed put aside the courtier; talking of worms and caterpillars to me, a king and a demi- god!

From Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I by Herman Melville

Walking at the head of his troops with nothing but a light cane in his hand, he seemed to pass through every danger with the scatheless equanimity of a demi- god.

From Eminent Victorians by Giles Lytton Strachey

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 W. H. Wilkins

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 John Lothrop Motley