adjective
Uncommon
demi
duh-MEE
Demi (adjective) means Half or partial, used as a combining element in compound words. Example: “The dancer wore demi-pointe shoes for the rehearsal.”
adjective
1
Half or partial, used as a combining element in compound words.
"The dancer wore demi-pointe shoes for the rehearsal."
How to use demi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to mean "half" or "partly" when attached to another word, like demigod or demitasse.
Common pairings
demigod
demi-glace
demi-pointe
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Word forms
- Plural
- demis
- Comparative
- more demi
- Superlative
- most demi
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dancer wore _____-pointe shoes for the rehearsal.
Etymology
From French demi ("half"), from Latin dimidius.
Rhymes for demi
See all rhymes for demi →Frequently asked questions
What does “demi” mean?
The word “demi” means half or partial, used as a combining element in compound words. In plain terms, used to mean "half" or "partly" when attached to another word, like demigod or demitasse.
How do you pronounce “demi”?
“Demi” is pronounced duh-MEE (/dəˈmiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “demi” in a sentence?
Here is “demi” used in a sentence: “The dancer wore demi-pointe shoes for the rehearsal.”
What part of speech is “demi”?
“Demi” is an adjective.
Where does the word “demi” come from?
The word “demi” comes from Latin. From French demi ("half"), from Latin dimidius.
Is “demi” a common word?
“Demi” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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