Half Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Mathematics

• In fractions, 'half' is represented as 1/2, indicating one part out of two total parts.
• The idea of halving is fundamental in mathematics, especially when learning about division and ratios.

Cultural References

• The phrase 'half-hearted' describes someone who is not fully committed to an action or decision.
• In fairy tales, the term 'half' often appears, such as in 'Half a Kingdom', symbolizing compromise and cooperation.

Science

• In physics, the term 'half-life' refers to the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
• Biology often discusses 'halves' in genetics, such as when offspring inherit half of their genes from each parent.

Literature

• Many stories use the concept of 'half' to illustrate conflict or balance, such as two characters representing different halves of a whole.
• Famous literary works often explore themes of division and companionship, which can be summarized with the idea of 'half'.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from Old English 'healf', which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, indicating its long history.
• In ancient times, the concept of splitting things in half was crucial for trade and sharing, making this term very practical.

The word 'half' originated from the Old English word 'healf', which means 'side, part'. It has been used to describe halves, both in quantity and time, for centuries. The concept of halves is fundamental in mathematics and daily life, representing equal divisions or portions.

See also: halfling, halfway.

With position #267, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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• 264 seen
• 265 house
• 266 cent
• 267 half
• 268 women
• 269 provide
• 270 times
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