semi-quote noun 3verb 2forms 3 noun3 •A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said 'What?'" •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. •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. verb2 •To make a close paraphrase of a quotation, using some of its words.Instead of magnifying the damnation of those who follow not the truth (as the village understood it), she was content to semi-quote […] — 2006 •(informal) To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent.To semi-quote Shakespeare... formssemi-quoted · semi-quoting · semi-quotes