noun / adjective / determiner / adverb
half
HAF/hæf/
One of two equal parts of a whole, or that much in extent.
Each half of the cut apple matches the other in size.
Etymology
Old English healf could mean a side or part without implying equal division. The selected meaning makes that division precise: one of two equal portions of a whole.
In context
the process was broken into two parts first constructing the lower half of the critical assembly then the second top half
More examples
- Half the seats are empty.
- The tank is half full.
- Two halves make a whole.
Forms
half · halves
Similar words
- moiety
- Formal term for one of two parts, often equal shares.