Meaning & Definition of word "Half"

Half

/hæf/

noun:

  • 1. One of two equal parts into which something can be divided.
    • Example: She ate half of the pizza.
  • 2. A part that is equal to one of two equal parts.
    • Example: He gave me half of his sandwich.
  • 3. The average or mean of two quantities.
    • Example: The half of their scores contributed to the final grade.

adjective:

  • 1. Consisting of one of two equal parts; divided into halves.
    • Example: She took a half step back.
  • 2. Partially; to only some extent.
    • Example: He was half hearted in his efforts.

adverb:

  • 1. In a manner representing or implying half the amount.
    • Example: The project is only half finished.
  • 2. To some extent; partially.
    • Example: He half listened to the conversation.

Etymology

Old English 'healf', which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

Common Phrases and Expressions

half-hearted:

Done with little effort or enthusiasm.

half a chance:

A very small possibility of success.

half the battle:

An important part of achieving something.

Related Words

halves:

The plural form of half.

halfway:

In the middle; at a point equidistant from two ends.

half-baked:

Poorly planned or thought out.

Slang Meanings of half

Meaning: Half a dozen

Example Sentence: It's the same as six, just a different way to say it.

Meaning: Half the size

Example Sentence: This version of the app is half the size of the original.