half

[hæf]

half Definition

• 1. one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided
• 2. a half-hour; thirty minutes

Using half: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "half" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I ate half of the pizza.

• Example

  She only drank half of her coffee.

• Example

  He works half-time at the store.

• Example

  The game is tied at two and a half.

half Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for half

• part
• portion
• segment
• section

Antonyms for half

• whole
• entirety

Idioms Using half

• be half the battle

  to have completed the most difficult part of a task

  Example

  Getting started on the project is half the battle.

• go off half-cocked

  to act without thinking or planning

  Example

  He went off half-cocked and made a mess of things.

• not do things by halves

  to do something thoroughly or completely

  Example

  She doesn't do things by halves and always gives 100% effort.

Phrases with half

• half and half

  a mixture of two equal parts of milk and cream

  Example

  I like to put half and half in my coffee.

• half-hearted

  without enthusiasm or energy

  Example

  She made a half-hearted attempt to clean her room.

• half-baked

  poorly thought out or executed

  Example

  His plan was half-baked and doomed to fail.

Origins of half

from Old English 'healf'

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Summary: half in Brief

The term 'half' [hæf] refers to one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided. It can also denote a half-hour or thirty minutes. 'Half' is used in phrases like 'half and half' for a mixture of milk and cream, and 'half-hearted' for a lack of enthusiasm. Idioms include 'be half the battle,' meaning the most difficult part of a task is done, and 'go off half-cocked,' meaning to act without thinking.