SEM

i- (HALF) [prefix] - half or partlysemi-literatesemi-permanentsemi-retirementsemi-rural/semi-urbansemi-skilled workersa semi-autobiographical novelSomething which is semi-automatic is partly automatic.a semi-automatic gearboxA semi-automatic weapon is one which automatically puts bullets into position ready for firing, but it can only fire one bullet at a time.a semi-automatic pistolA semi-circle is half a circle.We arranged the chairs in a semi-circle.The chairs were placed in a semi-circular arrangement.See picture: ShapesA semi-detached (house) (UK and ANZ informal semi) is one of a pair of houses which are joined together.They live in a semi-detached (house).Their house is semi-detached. Compare detached at detach.A semi-final (informal semi) is one of the two games that are played to decide who will take part in the final game of a competition.She's the youngest player ever to get through to/advance to (= win enough matches to play in) a semi-final.A semi-precious stone is one which is used for making jewellery but is not very valuable.Jade and turquoise are semi-precious stones.People who are semi-professional are paid for an activity which they take part in but do not do all the time.semi-professional musicians/rugby playersa semi-professional cookSemi-skilled means having or needing only a small amount of training.semi-skilled jobs/workers/labour