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

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

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.

Inside the little fort there were six great pieces of brass ordnance, some demi- some whole culverin, throwing shot of 10-18 lbs. weight for a distance of a mile.

From On the Spanish Main Or, Some English forays on the Isthmus of Darien. by Masefield, John

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)

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 Calderón de la Barca, Madame (Frances Erskine Inglis)