one-half
UK: wʌn hɑːf | US: wʌn hæf
n. a fraction representing one part of two equal parts; ½
adj. constituting or equal to one-half
The term "one-half" combines the Old English word "ān" (one), derived from Proto-Germanic *ainaz, with "half," from Old English "healf" (side, part). "Half" traces back to Proto-Germanic *halbaz, meaning "divided." The compound emerged in Middle English to explicitly denote the fraction ½, reflecting a logical pairing of "one" (quantity) and "half" (division). This construction mirrors other Germanic fractional terms (e.g., German "einhalb").
She ate one-half of the pizza and saved the rest.
The recipe requires one-half cup of sugar.
Only one-half of the participants completed the survey.
The property was divided into one-half acre lots.
His share amounts to one-half of the total profit.