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

Native Americans were considered members of “quasi foreign nations” and thus not fully subject to U.S. law.

From Slate

Pink cocaine originated in Colombia and is also known by the street name “tusi,” a phonetic translation of “2C-B,” a quasi psychedelic that was first synthesized by the drug pioneer Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s, the New York Times reported.

From Los Angeles Times

During a time of uncertainty when previous owner Roman Abramovich had to cease control over the club in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Tuchel suddenly found himself in the quasi role as spokesperson of the Blues – and he did a commendable job.

From BBC

At this point, he’s all but acting as “a quasi–Biden campaign official” working to “steer frustrated voters”—including college students and tech-world leaders—to the unpopular incumbent, as USA Today puts it.

From Slate

In an interview on ABC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly dug in on a plan to send ground troops in to this quasi–“safe zone.”

From Slate

Related Words

• professed