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semifinal

semifinal

73 2.8
One of the two matches before the final where the winners play each other
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl/
translation icon : semifinal
  • Marquette vanquished South Florida, 3-1, in their semifinal match to set up a rematch in the finals against Louisville.

Sherm was bringing it up on the pod yesterday is having home games for even the what semifinals right.

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Examples

  • You've advanced to the semifinals.

  • Dover will face Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Division III state semifinals next Saturday.

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  • Our first big point in this semifinal match.

  • This is the stage for this semifinal game.

  • Judges, this is a semifinal round with 11 couples on the floor.

  • The atmosphere is electric at the Boleyn Ground tonight for this European Cup semifinal.

  • Welcome to the semifinals of Mel's tournament.

  • Senior quarterback Jordan Whitney looks for a receiver during the Class B semifinal game against Gardiner in early November.

    Blog text (1)
  • Waipahu had just defeated Lahainaluna 19-15 in the semifinals of the Division II playoffs on Oahu.

    Blog text (7)
  • The American women beat France today 3-1 in a semifinal match in Germany.

Synonyms

semi
vssemifinal
16 3.0

A game that decides who goes to the final

is the full formal term rather than the shortened form

How Important

final
191 2.0
playoff
347 2.8
semifinal
73 2.8
exhibition game
  • US
12 3.3

Surface Forms

semifinal singular
semifinals plural

Morphology

semifinal = final (transparent) = semi + final

The word is transparently formed from 'semi-' plus 'final', meaning a round before the final.

Etymology

The word semifinal breaks into semi- meaning 'half' and final meaning 'last'. So a semifinal is one of the two matches that are 'halfway' to the final, with the winners going on to play the final.