halfway
UK: ˌhɑːfˈweɪ | US: ˌhæfˈweɪ
adj. at or to a point midway between two others
adv. to some extent or degree; partially
halfway = half<partial> + way<path>
- half (Old English healf): Means "partial" or "one of two equal parts."
- way (Old English weg): Means "path," "route," or "direction."
Etymology Origin:
The word "halfway" emerged in Middle English (14th century) as a compound of "half" and "way," literally meaning "midpoint on a path." It originally described physical distance but later expanded metaphorically to denote partial progress or compromise (e.g., "halfway measures"). The logic is transparent: combining "half" (division) with "way" (journey) creates a vivid image of stopping at the middle of a path.
We met halfway between our houses to save time.
The project is only halfway finished.
She was halfway through the book when she fell asleep.
They compromised by meeting each other halfway.
The runner collapsed halfway into the marathon.