Half

Definition

Half is a noun, adjective, and adverb. As a noun, it refers to one of two equal parts of a whole. As an adjective, it describes something consisting of or related to one of two equal parts. As an adverb, it indicates to the extent of fifty percent or partially.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hæf/
• Respelling: HAF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hɑːf/
• Respelling: HAHF

Etymology

The word "half" originates from Old English "healf," meaning "side" or "part," derived from Proto-Germanic "*halbaz." It is related to Old High German "halb" and Old Norse "halfr," all carrying the same sense of division into equal parts.

Derivatives

• Halve (verb)
• Halfway (adverb)
• Halfling (noun)
• Half-hearted (adjective)
• Halftime (noun)

Synonyms

• Moiety
• Part
• Portion

Antonyms

• Whole
• Full
• None

Usage

The noun "half" is used in contexts such as "He ate half of the pizza." The adjective form appears in sentences like "The glass is half full." As an adverb, it can be used as "She was only half interested in the lecture."

Related Terms

• Division: The act of splitting into parts.
• Fraction: A numerical representation of a part of a whole.
• Equality: The state of being equal in value or proportion.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• One of two equal parts: Refers to fifty percent of a whole.
  • Example: "He gave me half of the cake."
• A part or portion of something: Used more loosely to refer to a large fraction.
  • Example: "We spent half the day shopping."

Adjective

• Consisting of or related to one of two equal parts: Describes division or partial completeness.
  • Example: "A half turn is 180 degrees."

Adverb

• To the extent of fifty percent: Indicates partial completeness.
  • Example: "The tank is only half full."
• Partially or incompletely: Describes an action or state done to some extent.
  • Example: "He half believed her story."