semi-quote

  1. Noun.  A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in ''"Tom said 'What?'"''.
  2. Noun.  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. 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.''.
  4. Verb.  To make a close paraphrase of a quotation, using some of its words.
  5. Verb.  To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent. "To semi-quote Shakespeare …".

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.