Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said 'What?'"
- noun A
punctuation mark to indicate that the text is a semi-quote, i.e. a closeparaphrase that uses some of the author's original words. - noun 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 To make a close paraphrase of a quotation, using some of its words.
- verb To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent. "To semi-quote Shakespeare …"
Etymologies
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Examples
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The link in the title above (and the wonderful semi-quote) come from an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Sept. 1, 2006, by Scott Carlson.
A library should be more than a study hall and a computer lab! 2006
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To semi-quote Samuel Johnson, the virtues of chick-lit's heroines are the vices of a true feminist.
Inaugural Address: "You Don't Seem Like a Feminist" Heo 2005
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TechCrunch why semi-quote ‘iPhone Killer’ for this and every other phone that dares offer an alternative to your beloved fanboys iphone?
HTC Killed The Physical Keyboard. Smart Move. MG Siegler 2005
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You guys mention ‘iPhone Killer’ in every article that relates to non-iphone smart phones, then you semi-quote it as if the company (in this case HTC) has released a press release titled – “seriously, this is our iPhone killer”.
HTC Killed The Physical Keyboard. Smart Move. MG Siegler 2005
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Here is a semi-quote I just read on another blog …
Redfin On 60 Minutes Tonight – Real Estate Market Disruption Michael Arrington 2005
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To semi-quote John Lennon, "give the residual claimant a chance"
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Island sums it up with a semi-quote from the great Peter Noone!
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To semi-quote artist currently known as Prince, "Are You Ready To Party Like it is 4077?"
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To semi-quote Of Montreal, it's time my mood shifted back to good again, so let's have a (potentially at least) cheerier theme this week: comics and cartoon characters.
Music news, reviews, comment and features | guardian.co.uk 2008
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