Definify.com
Definition 2024
semi-quote
semi-quote
See also: semiquote
English
Alternative forms
Noun
semi-quote (plural semi-quotes)
- A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said 'What?'"
- 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.
- 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)
- 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...
- 2006, Ernest Thompson Seton, Rolf in the Woods
- To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent. "To semi-quote Shakespeare …"