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

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

In the sieges of the American civil war there were sometimes three thousand shots an hour, and from guns compared to which in calibre and power those cannon and demi- cannon were but children's toys.

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

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)

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 Strachey, Giles Lytton

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 Melville, Herman