semifinal
UK: ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪn(ə)l | US: ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪn(ə)l
n. a match or round immediately preceding the final, in which the remaining competitors are reduced to two.
The word "semifinal" combines the Latin prefix semi- (meaning "half") with final (derived from Latin finalis, meaning "last"). It originally described a stage in competitions where half of the remaining participants are eliminated before the ultimate round. The term reflects the logical progression of narrowing down contenders, with "semi-" emphasizing its intermediate position between preliminary rounds and the decisive final.
The team advanced to the semifinal after a thrilling victory.
She trained intensively for the semifinal match.
The semifinal will determine which two players compete for the championship.
Tickets for the semifinal sold out within hours.
His performance in the semifinal earned widespread praise.