demi-
5.8
A part added to the start of a word to mean half or partly
- other
- /ˈdɛmi/
:
semi
- A demigod is a mythical being who is half-god and half-human.
Examples
-
The chef served a demitasse of strong coffee after the meal.
-
She wore a demiskirt that reached just below her knees.
-
A demi-god often possesses extraordinary powers.
-
The artist created a demi-figurine of a famous sculpture.
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A demigod is a mythical being who is half-god and half-human.
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He ordered a demitasse of coffee because he wanted just a small amount.
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She chose a demiskirt that was stylish and left her legs partly exposed.
Synonyms
2.2
A word part added to another word to mean half or partly
is the same in meaning but written with a trailing hyphen for word formation
Antonyms
Surface Forms
demi- main
Etymology
The prefix demi- comes from an old French word that meant 'half'. You can see it in demigod, a 'half' god, and demitasse, a very small cup, so demi- shows something is 'half' or 'partly'.