Quasi-

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkweɪ.zaɪ/
• US IPA: /ˈkwÉ‘zi/, /ˈkwÉ‘zaɪ/
• Rhymes: -É’zi

Origin

From Latin quasi ("almost, as it were"), from quam (interrogative adverb) + sī (conditional particle).

Full definition of quasi-

Prefix

1. Similar to, but not exactly the same as; virtual(ly). from 17th c.
• 1974, Lawrence Durrell, Monsieur, Faber & Faber 1992, p. 18:The quasi-death of insanity with its small periodic remissions, its deviations into good sense, even into brilliant insight, was almost more cruel really than outright death.

Usage notes

“Quasi-” may be prefixed to nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.

Synonyms

• partial
  partially
• semi-
• somewhat
• sort of
• supposed
  supposedly

Related terms

• quango
• quasar

Derived terms

• Note: Some words are used either with or without the hyphen. (See notes on Dutch usage.)