Search results for 'half':

half noun (halves) 1 a one of two equal parts which together form a whole; b a quantity which equals such a part • half a bar of chocolate. 2 the fraction equal to one divided by two (usually written ½). 3 colloq a half pint, especially of beer. 4 Scottish a measure of spirits, especially whisky. 5 one of two equal periods of play in a match. 6 football, hockey, etc the half of the pitch considered to belong to one team. 7 golf an equal score with an opponent. 8 a half-hour. 9 sport a halfback. 10 a half-price ticket, especially for a child. adj 1 forming or equal to half of something • a half chicken. 2 not perfect or complete • We don't want any half measures. adverb 1 to the extent or amount of one half • half finished. 2 almost; partly; to some extent • half dead with exhaustion. 3 thirty minutes past the hour stated • half three. a ... and a half colloq a very good ... • She's a singer and a half. by half colloq excessively • He's too clever by half. by halves without being thorough • They never do things by halves. go halves or go halves on something to share the cost or expenses of something • let's go halves on a pizza. have half a mind to do something to have a strong desire to do it. how the other half lives facetious other people's way of life, especially if they are richer or poorer. not half colloq 1 very • It isn't half cold. 2 not nearly • I'm not half fit enough. 3 yes, indeed. one's other or better half colloq one's husband, wife or partner.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon healf.

half- prefix 1 one of two equal parts • half-day. 2 having only one parent in common • half-sister. 3 partly; not completely or thoroughly • a half-baked idea.