semi-quote

plural semi-quotes · alternative semiquote

1. A single quotation mark, ('). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said 'What?'"
2. 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. 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.

present singular third person semi-quotes · participle present semi-quoting · participle past semi-quoted · past semi-quoted · alternative semiquote

1. 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, Ernest Thompson Seton, Rolf in the Woods

2. informalTo modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent.

   To semi-quote Shakespeare...