Halfway: meaning, definitions and examples

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halfway

[ˌhɑːfˈweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a certain point between two extremes

At or to a point equidistant between two others.

Synonyms

midway, partway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
halfway	This word is most commonly used to describe something that is at 50% of a total distance or process. It's most often used in both casual and formal contexts. We are halfway through the project. She met him halfway across the bridge. We're halfway there, just a little more to go.
midway	This term is usually used to describe a point equally distant from two ends. It's common in both everyday speech and more literary or technical contexts. We stopped midway to take a break. They met at a point midway between their homes. The school is located midway between the two towns.
partway	This word is used to describe something that is part of the way towards a goal or end point. Unlike 'halfway,' it doesn't need to imply an equal division. It's often found in casual conversation. He was partway finished with his homework when he got a call. I walked partway up the hill, then turned back. The restaurant is partway between my house and the office.

Word

Description / Examples

halfway

This word is most commonly used to describe something that is at 50% of a total distance or process. It's most often used in both casual and formal contexts.

We are halfway through the project.
She met him halfway across the bridge.
We're halfway there, just a little more to go.

midway

This term is usually used to describe a point equally distant from two ends. It's common in both everyday speech and more literary or technical contexts.

We stopped midway to take a break.
They met at a point midway between their homes.
The school is located midway between the two towns.

partway

This word is used to describe something that is part of the way towards a goal or end point. Unlike 'halfway,' it doesn't need to imply an equal division. It's often found in casual conversation.

He was partway finished with his homework when he got a call.
I walked partway up the hill, then turned back.
The restaurant is partway between my house and the office.

Examples of usage

He stopped halfway down the stairs.
She was halfway through her meal when the phone rang.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

at a point equidistant between two extremes

Equidistant between two points; at the middle point.

Synonyms

middle, midway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
halfway	Used to describe a point that is equidistant between two endpoints. Commonly used in everyday scenarios such as describing progress or location. We're halfway through the project. The restaurant is halfway between my house and yours.
midway	Frequently used to describe a point at an equal distance from the start and end of a journey or process, with a slightly more formal tone. Often found in written descriptions or instructions. She stopped midway to take a break. Halfway up the hill, we found a perfect spot to rest.
middle	Often used to indicate the central point of something, especially in a physical space or within a sequence. This word can describe locations, time periods, and more. Place the vase in the middle of the table. He woke up in the middle of the night.

Word

Description / Examples

halfway

Used to describe a point that is equidistant between two endpoints. Commonly used in everyday scenarios such as describing progress or location.

We're halfway through the project.
The restaurant is halfway between my house and yours.

midway

Frequently used to describe a point at an equal distance from the start and end of a journey or process, with a slightly more formal tone. Often found in written descriptions or instructions.

She stopped midway to take a break.
Halfway up the hill, we found a perfect spot to rest.

middle

Often used to indicate the central point of something, especially in a physical space or within a sequence. This word can describe locations, time periods, and more.

Place the vase in the middle of the table.
He woke up in the middle of the night.

Examples of usage

The halfway mark of the race.
They reached the halfway point of their journey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'halfway' is a combination of 'half,' meaning part of something, and 'way,' implying distance or path.
It dates back to Middle English as 'halfweie,' showing its longevity in use.

Mathematics

In mathematics, halfway can refer to the midpoint in geometry, which divides a line segment into two equal lengths.
When talking about averages, the halfway point between two numbers can also be seen as their arithmetic mean.

Literature

The concept of halfway appears in various stories and poems, often symbolizing a journey or a moment of reflection.
Authors like Robert Frost have explored the idea of halfway points metaphorically in their teachings about choices and paths in life.

Psychology

People often feel a sense of accomplishment when reaching a halfway point, which can motivate them to continue toward their goal.
The halfway point can also symbolize indecision, where a person stands between two choices or actions.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'meet me halfway' is frequently used in music and movies, conveying the need for compromise or collaboration.
Several songs reference the idea of halfway, often discussing love, relationships, or personal struggles.

Translations

Translations of the word "halfway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meio caminho

🇮🇳 आधे रास्ते

🇩🇪 auf halbem Weg

🇮🇩 setengah jalan

🇺🇦 на півдорозі

🇵🇱 w połowie drogi

🇯🇵 途中で

🇫🇷 à mi-chemin

🇪🇸 a medio camino

🇹🇷 yolun yarısında

🇰🇷 도중에

🇸🇦 في منتصف الطريق

🇨🇿 v polovině cesty

🇸🇰 na polceste

🇨🇳 中途

🇸🇮 na pol poti

🇮🇸 á miðri leið

🇰🇿 жарты жолда

🇬🇪 ნახევარ გზაზე

🇦🇿 yarı yolda

🇲🇽 a medio camino