Quasi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quasi
[kwah-zee ]
Definition
similar to
The term 'quasi' is used to indicate something that resembles or is similar to something else but is not truly that thing. It is commonly used in legal, scientific, and philosophical contexts to describe entities or phenomena that have partial characteristics of another. For example, a quasi-governmental organization may operate like a government agency but is not formally a part of the government. The prefix 'quasi' derives from Latin, meaning 'as if' or 'almost'.
Synonyms
almost, likewise, pseudo, semi.
Examples of usage
- The quasi-experimental design allowed researchers to draw conclusions.
- He was in a quasi-judicial role during the hearings.
- The organization operates in a quasi-public manner.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terminology, 'quasi' is often used to describe something that is not fully recognized but has some similarities to it, such as quasi-contracts which arise in situations where no formal agreement exists.
- Courts may treat certain entities as 'quasi-governmental', meaning they perform governmental functions but do not have full governmental power.
Philosophy
- In philosophy, 'quasi' is used to explore the nature of existence and the essence of reality by examining things that are partial or approximate in nature.
- The term is often used in discussions concerning concepts such as 'quasi-empirical', which suggests ideas that can be observed but lack definitive proof.
Science
- In physics, 'quasi-particles' refer to emergent phenomena that arise in systems of many particles, like how sound can be considered a wave in the air.
- Quasi-stellar objects, or quasars, are astronomical entities that resemble stars but are actually extremely bright galaxies powered by black holes.
Culture
- Quasi has been used in popular culture, including in film and literature, to describe characters or phenomena that are not fully realized, such as a quasi-villain whose motives are complex.
- The term also appears in the name of 'quasi-experimental designs' in research, which are studies that resemble experiments but lack random assignment of subjects.
Origin of 'quasi'
Main points about word origin
- 'Quasi' comes from the Latin word 'quasi', meaning 'as if' or 'as though'.
- The term was first used in English in the late 17th century, primarily in legal contexts.
- Its usage has expanded into the realm of philosophy and science to describe concepts that resemble but do not entirely fit a category.
The term 'quasi' originates from the Latin word 'quasi', which translates to 'as if' or 'almost'. It made its transition into English in the late 17th century and has since been widely adopted in various fields such as law, philosophy, and science. In legal contexts, 'quasi' is often used to describe cases or situations that share attributes with recognized legal classifications but do not meet the full criteria. For instance, a quasi-contract refers to a situation where a contract does not exist, but one party may still have a legal obligation to the other. Over time, the usage of 'quasi' has broadened, maintaining its core meaning of resemblance without full resemblance, allowing for its application in more abstract and philosophical discussions as well.