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