half

I. noun (plural halves) 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 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

> • halfness 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

>