half mask
1
4.0
- noun
- /hæf mæsk/
:
media máscara
- The performer wore a half mask to create an air of mystery during the theater production.
- a white half mask
- wearing a half mask
Examples
-
The whole effect was a half-mask.
Fiction book (2001) -
Erik's mask in the play is a half-mask; a good portion of his face is revealed.
Academic text (2001) -
She sensed his regret even through his half-mask.
Blog text (33) -
At the masquerade ball, she wore a beautiful half mask that accentuated her eyes.
-
He chose a black half mask to complete his costume for Halloween.
Synonyms
659
1.0
A covering worn on the face to hide, protect, or decorate it
2
2.1
A cover for the eyes that blocks light for sleeping or hides your face at parties
2
1.8
A protective covering worn over the face in sports to prevent injury
How Covered
1
4.0
2
2.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a mask that covers only part of the face' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'half' (one of two equal portions) with 'mask' (face covering). This simple adjective+noun composition follows regular English patterns and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Half mask is a simple name made from half and mask that tells you exactly what it does. Imagine a small mask that hides the eyes and forehead but leaves the mouth visible, so it means 'a mask that covers only the upper part of the face'.