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Definition 2024


semi-quote

semi-quote

See also: semiquote

English

Alternative forms

Noun

semi-quote (plural semi-quotes)

  1. A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said 'What?'"
  2. A punctuation mark to indicate that the text is a semi-quote, i.e. a close paraphrase that uses some of the author's original words.
  3. A phrase that is a close paraphrase that uses some of the authors original words. For instance: "A fanatic is someone who will not change his mind or the subject of discussion," according to Winston Churchill.

Verb

semi-quote (third-person singular simple present semi-quotes, present participle semi-quoting, simple past and past participle semi-quoted)

  1. To make a close paraphrase of a quotation, using some of its words.
    • 2006, Ernest Thompson Seton, Rolf in the Woods
      Instead of magnifying the damnation of those who follow not the truth (as the village understood it), she was content to semi-quote...
  2. To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent. "To semi-quote Shakespeare …"

References

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