# quasi

/ˈkwɑsi/ (US) · /kwˈeɪzaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quasi
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

seeming like something but not quite being it. You use this to describe things that are almost, but not completely, a certain way.

For teachers: resembling or possessing some features of a particular thing without being that thing in its entirety. Often used as a prefix or a standalone modifier to indicate a partial or superficial similarity.

## Examples

- The group is a quasi-official organization.
- The company operates as a quasi-monopoly, controlling most of the market despite having a few small competitors.
- The legal team argued that the entity was a quasi-governmental body, meaning it should be subject to the same transparency laws as a state agency.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a prefix joined by a hyphen to a noun or adjective, but can also stand alone as a modifier in formal contexts.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.