What does semi mean?
Semi is an informal English short form of semifinal, the contest or round immediately before a final in a knockout competition. Sports reporting commonly uses the plural semis to refer collectively to the two matches whose winners advance to the final. The term can also be used informally as an adjective meaning half, partial, or incomplete, as in “semi-complete,” although the prefix form semi- is generally preferred in formal compounds such as semi-professional and semi-detached. Its wording derives from the Latin word semi, meaning “half,” which also underlies words such as hemisphere, semicolon, and semitone. In contemporary usage, semi is most strongly associated with sport, where it conveys a straightforward reference to an earlier stage of a competition without the formality of the full word semifinal.
An informal short form of semifinal, especially a semifinal match or one of the two matches preceding a final.
"Both teams advanced from the semi to contest the championship."
Informal; very common in sports contexts. The plural is semis.
Half, partial, or incomplete.
"The painting remained only semi-finished."
Informal and relatively uncommon as a standalone adjective; semi- is more usual as a prefix.
The plural is informal and is especially common in references to the semifinal round of a competition.
"The winners of the semis meet in the final."
On the road to the final, teams must first clear the semis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does semi come from?
The English combining form semi- comes from Latin semi, meaning “half.” The abbreviated noun semi developed through informal shortening of semifinal, while the standalone adjective meaning “half” or “partial” reflects the same Latin element. Related English words include hemisphere, semicolon, and semitone, all of which express a division into, or relation to, halves.
Related word forms
How semi is actually used
As a noun, the short form is informal and is especially common in sports reporting and conversation. As a standalone adjective, it is also informal; the prefix semi- is more usual in formal compounds such as semi-detached, semi-professional, and semi-final.