demi-

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 ).

demi-

prefix

1. See semi-, hemi-
   half Compare hemi- semi-

   demirelief

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

   demigod

Word History and Origins

Origin of demi-¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of demi-¹

via French from Medieval Latin dīmedius, from Latin dīmīdius half, from dis- apart + medius middle

Example Sentences

Extra dry, for example, is actually sweeter than brut, which is drier than demi-sec, which is somewhat sweet.

From The Daily Beast

Other targets of this critical mauling include Madonna, Sharon Osborne, and Demi Moore.

From The Daily Beast

But, the Yahwist describes the Nephilim as “heroes that were of old, warriors of renown,” not as gods or even demi-gods.

From The Daily Beast

Even Demi Lovato appeared to support Jonas and respect his honesty.

From The Daily Beast

Gomez voluntarily spent two weeks in rehab last month, and Demi sticks up for bestie Selena as she works out her emotional life.

From The Daily Beast

They surround themselves with the atmosphere of the demi-monde and forget that a wrinkle is as fatal as a chaperon.

From Project Gutenberg

The author of Peace and War seemed to him, in his own words, not so much an ordinary mortal as a demi-god.

From Project Gutenberg

It breathed kind affection, with one or two demi-maternal cautions about his health, and to be very prudent for her sake.

From Project Gutenberg

The four cardinal points are so many demi-gods, of whom the West, called Kabeun, has priority of age.

From Project Gutenberg

It hadn't been anywhere near as simple as the Investiture he had gone through to become a demi-God.

From Project Gutenberg