A1noun1K

Half

UK /["/hɑːf/","/hɑːvz/"]/US /["/hæf/","/hævz/"]/

Definition

either of two equal parts into which something is or can be divided

In simple words: One of two equal parts of something.

Examples

  • I only finished half of my homework.
  • She cut the pizza in half so we could share.
  • He is only half as tall as his brother.
  • Can you give me half a cup of sugar?
  • The movie was half over when we arrived.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation as well as in written contexts. It's appropriate for both formal and informal situations, like asking for half a pizza or describing a study that used half the participants.

Grammar pattern

half + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'half' as splitting a pizza into two equal parts.

Collocations

  • first
  • second
  • last
  • by half
  • in half
  • in the… half
  • about half
  • almost half
  • around half
  • first
  • second
  • last
  • by half
  • in half
  • in the… half
  • about half
  • almost half
  • around half

Synonyms

  • part
  • fraction
  • segment
  • division
  • portion

Antonyms

  • whole
  • full

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'whole' when describing completeness.
  • Using 'halfs' as the plural (correct is 'halves').