First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1half
noun \ˈhaf, ˈhäf\
: one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided
: either of the two equal periods of playing time in sports like football and basketball
the half : the time when the first half of a game ends
plural halves \ˈhavz, ˈhävz\
Full 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 half defined for English-language learners
See half defined for kids
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Origin of HALF
Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half
Related to HALF
- Synonyms
- moiety
Other Number-Related Terms
2half
adjective
: equal or nearly equal in size, value, amount, etc., to one half of something
: not complete
Full Definition 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
See half defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HALF
before 12th century
Related to HALF
- Synonyms
- deficient, fragmental, fragmentary, incomplete, halfway, partial
Other Number-Related Terms
3half
adverb
: to an extent that is equal or nearly equal to half of something
: not completely : to some degree
Full Definition 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>
See half defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HALF
12th century
Related to HALF
Other Number-Related Terms
HALF Defined for Kids
1half
noun \ˈhaf, ˈhäf\
plural halves \ˈhavz, ˈhävz\
Definition of HALF for Kids
1
: one of two equal parts into which something can be divided <Cut it in half.>
2
: a part of something that is about equal to the remainder <half the distance>
3
: one of a pair <I missed the first half of the game.>
2half
adjective
Definition of HALF for Kids
1
: being one of two equal parts <Add a half cup of milk.>
2
: amounting to about a half : partial <She gave a half smile.>
3half
adverb
Definition of HALF for Kids
1
: to the extent of half <half full>
2
: not completely <She was half asleep.>
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