quasi

¹

[ kwey-zahy, -sahy, kwah-see, -zee ]

adjective

1. resembling; seeming; virtual:

   a quasi member.

quasi-

²

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.

quasi

¹

/ -saɪ; ˈkwɑːzɪ; ˈkweɪzaɪ /

adverb

1. as if; as it were

quasi-

²

combining_form

1. almost but not really; seemingly

   a quasi-religious cult

2. resembling but not actually being; so-called

   a quasi-scholar

Word History and Origins

Origin of quasi¹

Independent use of quasi-

Origin of quasi²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quasi¹

from Latin, literally: as if

Origin of quasi²

from L., lit: as if

Example Sentences

She shimmies in heels, she purrs in a quasi London accent, pronouncing "there" as "thuhr."

From Salon

Similarly, a “reciprocal access agreement,” or RAA, would make the Philippines Japan’s third “quasi ally” along with Australia and the United Kingdom, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.

From Washington Times

We are in a difficult time, as quasi leaders want to change our Constitution and democracy for the worse.

From Seattle Times

“To house any human being in a ‘quasi floating prison’ like the Bibby Stockholm is inhumane,” he said in a statement.

From New York Times

Seventeen contestants, all alumni from those shows, are sent to a remote tropical island to try to survive for a chance to win $250,000 in this quasi social experiment.

From New York Times

Related Words

• professed