HALF


Meaning of HALF in English

I. ˈhaf, ˈhäf noun

( plural halves ˈhavz, ˈhävz)

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half

Date: before 12th century

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. : one of a pair: as

a. : partner

b. : semester , term

c. : either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (as football) ; also : the midpoint in playing time

the score was tied at the half

3. : half-dollar

4. : halfback

- by half

- by halves

- half again as

- in half

II. adjective

Date: before 12th century

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

III. adverb

Date: 12th century

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.