semi-quote

See also: semiquote

English

Alternative forms

• semiquote

Etymology

semi- +‎ quote

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. (informal) To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent.

   To semi-quote Shakespeare...

References

• [1]

Anagrams

• quietsome