quasi
Meaning: Seemingly or apparently but not really; resembling something without being the genuine article. Used as a prefix or standalone modifier.
Quasi is used before nouns and adjectives, usually hyphenated, to indicate that something has the appearance or some of the characteristics of the thing described but is not truly that thing. It is common in legal, academic, and political writing. Common compounds include 'quasi-judicial,' 'quasi-governmental,' 'quasi-scientific,' and 'quasi-religious.' It can be dismissive, implying that something falls short of what it claims to be.
Examples
- The tribunal operates in a quasi-judicial capacity, hearing appeals against planning decisions. 该裁判所以准司法机构的身份运作,受理对规划决定的上诉。El tribunal opera en calidad cuasijudicial, conociendo de recursos contra decisiones urbanísticas.その審判所は準司法的な資格で機能し、都市計画決定に対する不服申し立てを審理している。그 심판원은 준사법적 자격으로 기능하며 도시 계획 결정에 대한 불복 심리를 진행한다.
- The organisation occupies a quasi-governmental role, funded by the state but technically independent. 该组织扮演着准政府角色,由国家资助但名义上独立运作。La organización desempeña un papel cuasigubernamental, financiada por el Estado pero técnicamente independiente.その組織は国家から資金提供を受けつつも形式上は独立した、準政府的な役割を担っている。그 조직은 국가의 자금 지원을 받으면서도 형식상 독립적인, 준정부적 역할을 수행하고 있다.
- The movement developed a quasi-religious devotion to its founder that critics found deeply troubling. 该运动对其创始人形成了一种准宗教式的崇拜,批评者认为这令人深感不安。El movimiento desarrolló una devoción cuasirreligiosa hacia su fundador que los críticos consideraban profundamente inquietante.その運動は創設者に対する準宗教的な崇拝を育み、批判者たちはそれを深く憂慮した。그 운동은 창시자에 대한 준종교적 숭배를 발전시켰고, 비판자들은 이를 깊이 우려했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: legal, academic, political
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin quasi (as if, almost, resembling), from quam (as) and sī (if). Used in English as a prefix since the 15th century, becoming increasingly productive from the 17th century onward.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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