demimonde
UK[ˈdɛmɪmɒnd]US[ˈdɛmɪmoʊnd]
n
a group of people considered to be on the fringes of respectable society, especially those associated with the arts or bohemian lifestyles.
n
the world or class of women supported by wealthy lovers or protectors; a class of courtesans or kept women.
Morpheme Breakdown
demi
monde
demi
half
monde
world
Etymology
the word demimonde is a direct borrowing from french, coined in the 19th century. it literally translates to "half-world," a term popularized by the french dramatist alexandre dumas fils. the "demi" (half) prefix signified a shadowy, parallel society that existed alongside, but was not fully part of, the respectable "monde" (world) of high society. originally referring specifically to women of questionable reputation supported by wealthy men, its meaning broadened to encompass any marginal social group living on the edges of conventional respectability.
Analysis
Structure: demi (half) + monde (world)
demi is from old french 'demi', meaning 'half', ultimately from latin 'dimidius' (split in half). monde is from french 'monde', meaning 'world', from latin 'mundus' (world, universe).
Examples
in 19th-century paris, the demimonde of artists, writers, and courtesans often mingled in the same cafes.
the novel provides a vivid portrait of the glamorous but precarious life within the demimonde.
he moved in a bohemian demimonde, far removed from the strict social conventions of his family.