demi-
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).
Origin of demi-
1Words Nearby demi-
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use demi- in a sentence
Extra dry, for example, is actually sweeter than brut, which is drier than demi-sec, which is somewhat sweet.
Other targets of this critical mauling include Madonna, Sharon Osborne, and Demi Moore.
Nicole Kidman Botox Insanity: Why All Women Lose Out When We Obsess Over Stars’ Faces | Emma Woolf | May 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut, the Yahwist describes the Nephilim as “heroes that were of old, warriors of renown,” not as gods or even demi-gods.
The Backstory of ‘Noah’ Is Full of Giants, Horny Angels, and a Grieving God | Tim Townsend | March 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTEven Demi Lovato appeared to support Jonas and respect his honesty.
How Likable Is Alec Baldwin After His ‘New York Magazine’ Confessional? | Amy Zimmerman | February 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTGomez voluntarily spent two weeks in rehab last month, and Demi sticks up for bestie Selena as she works out her emotional life.
Inside Philip Seymour Hoffman's Funeral; 'Lego Movie' Is Really Good | Culture Team | February 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They surround themselves with the atmosphere of the demi-monde and forget that a wrinkle is as fatal as a chaperon.
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonThe author of Peace and War seemed to him, in his own words, not so much an ordinary mortal as a demi-god.
The Life & Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky | Modeste TchaikovskyIt breathed kind affection, with one or two demi-maternal cautions about his health, and to be very prudent for her sake.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend | Charles ReadeThe four cardinal points are so many demi-gods, of whom the West, called Kabeun, has priority of age.
The Indian in his Wigwam | Henry R. SchoolcraftIt hadn't been anywhere near as simple as the Investiture he had gone through to become a demi-God.
Pagan Passions | Gordon Randall Garrett
British Dictionary definitions for demi-
half: demirelief Compare hemi-, semi- (def. 1)
of less than full size, status, or rank: demigod
Origin of demi-
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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