half Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
    one-half.
    • half a loaf
    • half an hour
    • a century and one half
  2. noun one of two divisions into which some games or performances are divided: the two divisions are separated by an interval
  3. adjective satellite consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
    • a half chicken
    • lasted a half hour
  4. adjective satellite partial
    • gave me a half smile
    • he did only a half job
  5. adjective (of siblings) related through one parent only
    • a half brother
    • half sister
  6. adverb partially or to the extent of a half
    • he was half hidden by the bushes

WordNet

Half adjective
Etymology
AS. healf, half, half; as a noun, half, side, part; akin to OS., OFries., & D. half, G. halb, Sw. half, Dan. halv, Icel. halfr, Goth. halbs. Cf. Halve, Behalf.
Definitions
  1. Consisting of a moiety, or half; as, a half bushel; a half hour; a half dollar; a half view. ✍ The adjective and noun are often united to form a compound.
  2. Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect; as, a half dream; half knowledge.
    Assumed from thence a half consent. Tennyson.
Half adverb
Definitions
  1. In an equal part or degree; in some pa appromating a half; partially; imperfectly; as, half-colored, half done, half-hearted, half persuaded, half conscious. "Half loth and half consenting." Dryden.
    Their children spoke halfin the speech of Ashdod. Neh. xiii. 24
Half noun
Etymology
AS. healf. See Half, a.
Wordforms
plural Halves
Definitions
  1. Part; side; behalf. Obs. Wyclif.
    The four halves of the house. Chaucer.
  2. One of two equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided; -- sometimes followed by of; as, a half of an apple.
    Not half his riches known, and yet despised. Milton.
    A friendship so complete Portioned in halves between us. Tennyson.
Half transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To halve. Obs. See Halve. Sir H. Wotton.

Webster 1913