half
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1half
noun \ˈhaf, ˈhäf\ plural halves \ˈhavz, ˈhävz\
Definition of HALF
1
a : either of two equal parts that compose something; also : a part approximately equal to one of these <half the distance> <the larger half of the fortune> b : half an hour —used in designation of time
2
3
4
: halfback
— by half
: by a great deal
— by halves
: in part : halfheartedly
— half again as
: one-and-a-half times as <half again as many>
— in half
: into two equal or nearly equal parts
See Examples of HALF
- She broke each cookie into halves.
- “Which half do you want?” “I'll take the smaller half.”
- Two halves make a whole.
- The team fell behind in the first half but rallied in the second half to win the game.
- “What's yours?” “A half of lager, please.”
Origin of HALF
Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to HALF
- Synonyms
- moiety
Other Number-Related Terms
2half
adjectiveDefinition of HALF
1
a : being one of two equal parts <a half share> <a half sheet of paper> b (1) : amounting to approximately half <a half mile> <a half million> (2) : falling short of the full or complete thing : partial <half measures> <a half smile>
2
: extending over or covering only half <a half window> <a half mask>
— half·ness noun
Examples of HALF
- a half cup of coffee
- He owns a half share in the company.
- a half pound of cheese
- She looked at him with a shy half smile.
First Known Use of HALF
before 12th century
Related to HALF
- Synonyms
- deficient, fragmental, fragmentary, incomplete, halfway, partial
Other Number-Related Terms
3half
adverbDefinition of HALF
1
a : in an equal part or degree <the crowd was half jeering, half respectful> b : not completely : partially <half persuaded>
2
: by any means : at all <her singing isn't half bad>
Examples of HALF
- The glass of water is half full.
- The crowd was half cheering and half jeering.
- The train departed at half past the hour.
- He was only half aware of what was happening.
- She had half persuaded me to stay.
- The door was half open.
- These eggs are only half cooked.
First Known Use of HALF
12th century
Related to HALF
Other Number-Related Terms
Learn More About HALF
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up half? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
