DEMI- Definition & Meaning

demi-

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 ).

demi-

prefix

half Compare hemi- semi-
demirelief
of less than full size, status, or rank
demigod

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51�Թ� History and Origins

< French, combining form representing demi (adj.; also noun and adv.) < Vulgar Latin *��ī��徱�ܲ�, for Latin ��ī��徱�ܲ� half, equivalent to ��ī- di- ² + medius middle

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of demi-¹

via French from Medieval Latin ��ī��徱�ܲ�, from Latin ��ī��ī�徱�ܲ� half, from dis- apart + medius middle

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