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Semi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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semi

[ˈsɛmi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

partial, half

The term 'semi' refers to something that is partial or half of a whole. It is often used as a prefix to denote that something is not complete or is in between two states.

Synonyms

half, incomplete, partial.

Examples of usage

  • semi-automatic rifle
  • semi-final match
  • semi-circular shape
  • semi-retired professional
Context #2 | Noun

vehicle, truck

In the context of vehicles, a 'semi' often refers to a semi-trailer truck, which is a combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers to carry freight.

Synonyms

lorry, semi-trailer, truck.

Examples of usage

  • The semi rolled down the highway.
  • He drives a semi for a living.
  • The load was too heavy for a standard truck, so they used a semi.
  • Locating the semi in the busy truck yard was challenging.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, a semi-circle is an arc that represents half of a circle.
  • The concept of semi-regular tessellations includes shapes that tile a plane partially.
  • Semi-prime numbers are products of exactly two prime numbers, demonstrating partial factorization.

Cultural References

  • The semi-final in sports, particularly in tournaments, represents the matches played before the ultimate final game.
  • In literature, a semi-colon connects two independent thoughts, showing a partial relationship between them.
  • The term semi-professional refers to individuals engaged in a sport at a level below full-time professionals.

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, a semi-vowel is a sound that is not fully a vowel but exhibits qualities of both vowels and consonants.
  • Many words in English use 'semi' as a prefix, such as semi-automatic, meaning partially automatic.
  • Language structures often use semi-fixed phrases, which are partially set expressions allowing for some variation.

Science

  • In biology, organisms can be described as semi-aquatic if they partially live in water and partially on land.
  • Semi-permeable membranes allow certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, crucial in cellular biology.
  • In chemistry, a semi-solid state indicates a substance that is partially solid, like jelly.

Origin of 'semi'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix comes from Latin 'semi-', which means 'half.'
  • It is used in various languages and has been adopted in English since the 14th century.
  • In Italian, 'semi' can refer to seeds, showing a connection to partiality in growth.

The term 'semi' originates from the Latin word 'semi-', meaning 'half' or 'partly'. This prefix was integrated into English in the 19th century as a way to denote a partial state or condition. Various forms of usage evolved, such as 'semi-final' in sports to describe a match that precedes the final, and 'semi-automatic' in firearms, describing a mechanism that automatically loads a new cartridge into the chamber, but requires a pull of the trigger for each shot. The use of 'semi' as a standalone noun to refer to semi-trailer trucks became popular in the mid-20th century, as trucking and logistics began to play a critical role in economies around the world.