demi-

1. 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

1. half Compare hemi- semi-

   demirelief

2. of less than full size, status, or rank

   demigod

Word History and Origins

Origin of demi-¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of demi-¹

via French from Medieval Latin dīmedius, from Latin dīmīdius half, from dis- apart + medius middle

Example Sentences

Assumption: “The Substance” is too bloody for Demi Moore to earn an Oscar nomination.

From Los Angeles Times

The dog, a micro-Chihuahua named Pilaf, knows this, and Pilaf’s owner, Demi Moore, knows this as well, though that doesn’t mean she doesn’t apologize and ask if you’re OK with Pilaf taking liberties.

From Los Angeles Times

Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a sort of Jane Fonda-type aerobics star.

From Los Angeles Times

Demi Moore is boldly exposed as an aging Oscar winner rejected by her producer in a hyperstylized satire that also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.

From Los Angeles Times

Next time, she was in Atlanta, rehearsing for a new Boots Riley film co-starring Demi Moore, about a group of shoplifters.

From Los Angeles Times