half
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /hæf/
KK: /hæf/
adjective
Definition
This word describes something that is divided into two equal parts or is only part of a whole.
Example
She ate half of the pizza for lunch.
Conversation
Did you know that the pizza is half off today?
Really? That’s a great deal!
Yeah, I think I'll order a half pepperoni and half veggie.
Perfect choice! I love that combination.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
partial
incomplete
semi
Antonyms
whole
full
entire
adverb
Definition
To a degree of 50 percent; not fully or completely.
Example
The glass is half full of water.
Conversation
I was surprised to see that the movie was only half as long as I expected.
Really? I thought it would be longer than that.
Yeah, but it felt like it was half the time because it was so engaging.
noun
Definition
One of two equal parts that together make a whole, or a part that is approximately equal to another part.
Example
I only ate half of my sandwich because I was full.
Conversation
Did you finish reading that book we talked about?
Not yet, I'm only about half way through it.
Oh, how are you finding it so far?
Root Explanation
The word 'half' originates from Old English 'healf', meaning one of two equal parts. It does not have a clear Latin or Greek root but is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'halb' and Old Norse 'halfr'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'half' as representing one of two equal parts, which helps you remember that it means a portion that is divided into two.
Visually Confused Words
hal
alf
behalf