half

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   One of two usually roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered…

   One of two usually roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided.

   • I ate the smaller half of the apple.
   • You don’t know the half of it.
   • Of the passengers on the plane, half were English.
2. 2

   Half of a standard measure, chiefly

   Half of a standard measure, chiefly:

   • He came back with a pint of Guinness for me and a half of bitter for Wendy.
   • I accepted a half of bitter from him.
   • I went to the bar where I bought a pint and two large brandies. ... "Not brandy," she replied, "but I could use a long drink - maybe a half of lager."
3. 3

   The fraction obtained by dividing 1 by 2.

   • Three-quarters minus a quarter is a half.
4. ›+ 17 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Any of the three terms at Eton College, for Michaelmas, Lent, and summer.

   2. 5

      A half sibling.

      • So for Richard and Barbara, Jeff and Kari, the impossibly varied collection of steps and halves that is another legacy of my father.
   3. 6

      A child ticket. Two and a half to Paddington.

   4. 7

      abbreviated form for half marathon.

   5. 8

      Clipping of half-dollar.

      • Tonight, we're offering the last of the Walking Liberty Halves for awhile:^([sic])
   6. 9

      Consisting of a half (½, 50%).

      • a half kilo
      • a half hour
      • a half dollar
   7. 10

      Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half

      Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect.

      • a half truth
      • Assumed from thence a half-consent.
   8. 11

      Having one parent (rather than two) in common.

      • A half brother or half sister
   9. 12

      Related through one common grandparent or ancestor rather than two.

      • A half uncle or half aunt or half cousin
   10. 13

       In two equal parts or to an equal degree.

   11. 14

       In some part approximating a half.

   12. 15

       Partially

       Partially; imperfectly.

       • half-colored
       • The task is only half done.
       • I was half persuaded by your convincing argument.
   13. 16

       Practically, nearly.

       • To be a King, is halfe to bee a God.
   14. 17

       To halve.

   15. 18

       Half past

       Half past; a half-hour (30 minutes) after the last hour.

       • The time is 9:30; it is half nine.
   16. 19

       A half-hour to (preceding) the next hour.

       • In some countries, "half seven" means 6:30.
   17. 20

       A call reminding performers that the performance will begin in thirty minutes.

The neighborhood

• neighbornot half