Meaning & Definition of word "Halve"

Halve

/hæv/

verb:

  • 1. To divide something into two equal parts.
    • Example: Please halve the cake so everyone can have a piece.
  • 2. To reduce something by half.
    • Example: The company decided to halve its workforce to cut costs.
  • 3. To take half of a quantity.
    • Example: If you halve the amount of sugar in the recipe, it will be less sweet.

Etymology

Middle English halven, from Old English halfian, from half.

Common Phrases and Expressions

halve the odds:

To reduce the probability of something happening.

halve a salary:

To reduce someone's salary by 50%.

halve one's workload:

To decrease the amount of work someone has to do.

Related Words

half:

One of two equal parts.

halving:

The act of dividing something into two equal parts.

halfway:

In the middle of a distance or process.

Slang Meanings of halve

Meaning: To cut down significantly.

Example Sentence: I'll halve my coffee consumption this week.

Meaning: To share something equally.

Example Sentence: Let's halve the tickets for the concert.