quasi

¹ American  

[kwey-zahy, -sahy, kwah-see, -zee] / ˈkweɪ zaɪ, -saɪ, ˈkwɑ si, -zi /

adjective

1. resembling; seeming; virtual.

   a quasi member.

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quasi- ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “resembling,” “having some, but not all of the features of,” used in the formation of compound words.

   quasi-definition; quasi-monopoly; quasi-official; quasi-scientific.

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quasi- ¹ British  

combining form

1. almost but not really; seemingly

   a quasi-religious cult

2. resembling but not actually being; so-called

   a quasi-scholar

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quasi ² British  

/ -saɪ, ˈkwɑːzɪ, ˈkweɪzaɪ /

adverb

1. as if; as it were

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Etymology

Origin of quasi¹

Independent use of quasi-

Origin of quasi-²

< Latin quasi as if, as though, equivalent to qua ( m ) as + sī if

Explanation

Use quasi when you want to say something is almost but not quite what it describes. A quasi mathematician can add and subtract adequately, but has trouble figuring out fractions. The adjective quasi is often hyphenated with the word it resembles. Quasi-scientific ideas are ideas that resemble real science, but haven't been backed up with any real evidence. A quasi-religious person may attend church services, but he doesn't take much interest in what's being said. Get the idea? It's a great alternative for "kind of."

Example Sentences

The Office of Legal Counsel serves as the president’s quasi in-house lawyer, offering legal analysis on the permissibility of the executive branch’s actions while also playing referee between federal agencies when they disagree.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

The chip uses a collective resonance known as a quasi bound state in the continuum to trap and intensify the incoming infrared light across the whole surface.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2026

That added to a quasi “gold rush” among investors who understandably hungered for a piece of the action.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

Quango stands for quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations, which means they are taxpayer-funded but not directly controlled by central government, and include watchdogs as well as the prison service and the Bank of England.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2025

Here are some exceptions to the “before or after” rule for hyphens in two-word descriptions: • If self or quasi is one of the words, always use a hyphen.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner