half
UK: hɑːf | US: hæf
n. either of two equal or corresponding parts into which something is divided
adj. being one of two equal parts
adv. to the extent of half
The word "half" traces back to Old English healf, which originally meant "side" or "part." It is related to Old Norse halfr and German halb, all deriving from Proto-Germanic *halbaz. The concept of dividing something into two equal parts has remained central to its meaning, though the spelling simplified over time (e.g., loss of the final -f sound in some Germanic cognates). The word’s stability across languages highlights its fundamental role in describing division.
She ate half of the apple and saved the rest for later.
The glass was only half full, so he refilled it.
He finished the race in half the time it took last year.
The team divided the prize money half and half.
Half the students preferred the new teaching method.