by half

phrase

Synonyms of by half next

next

: by a great deal

too clever by half

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by half was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

by gum

by half

by halves

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“By half.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20half. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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