half
- noun
- /hæf/
- The negative coefficient indicates that teams leading at half-time were more likely to win the contest.
- second half
- first half
- last half
The game's on maybe half time at the earliest.
- The game's on maybe half time at the earliest.
- And then in the second-half, we knew we could double move them.
- Well, seems like in the first half he missed some key shots from downtown.
- But the second-half Harry wasn't there.
Examples
-
Teams leading at the half were far more likely to win than those that were behind.
Academic text (1999) -
After a strong first half, the team made several adjustments during the break to improve their game.
-
Good first half, good first half, big out there it is.
-
No, Yeah, that was you poor first half, but he was poor first half.
-
What did you think of the first half after I was asleep?
-
Late in the game's first half, Zack tackled a runner rushing toward the end zone.
Academic text (2011) -
In soccer, the teams went into the locker rooms at the end of the half to discuss their strategies.
-
The audience was eager to see the second half of the performance after the intermission.
Synonyms
One of two equal parts of something
A set time in a game or match when the action continues
Idioms
- Informal
To focus on the good parts of a situation instead of the bad
- Informal
Everywhere in a hurried, messy way like people searching quickly
Two choices that are almost the same and make no real difference
Compounds
- Informal
A person someone is married to or lives with, said in a friendly, joking way
- Formal
A position partway down a flagpole where a flag flies to show respect after a death
- Specialized
The smallest jump between two notes in Western music, one piano key apart
- Jargon
A wrestling hold where one arm goes under the opponent's arm and presses the back of the neck
- Specialized
A dive in which a diver jumps forward and does a half backward flip to enter facing the board
- Archaic
A smaller amount of money given to a worker who is not working full time but is still employed
A short piece of underwear worn under a skirt to help it hang smoothly and stop it showing through
A mask that covers the upper part of the face, leaves the mouth visible, and has holes for the eyes
- Specialized
A building with visible wooden frames and walls filled with brick or plaster
- Specialized
A number that shows how similar scores are between two random halves of a test
A small axe that has one flat side for hammering and one sharp side for chopping wood
- Specialized
A way of covering a book with the spine in one material and the covers in another
- Specialized
A single slanted needle movement that makes part of a cross shape in embroidery
A salad dressing made from equal parts mayonnaise and vinaigrette with garlic and cheese
How Long
Surface Forms
Etymology
Half comes from an old German word healf meaning 'one of two'. In many sports a game is split into two main parts, so each period is called a 'half'. That's why we say 'first half' and 'second half'.