Halfway: meaning, definitions and examples

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halfway

 

[ ˌhɑːfˈweɪ ]

Adverb / Adjective
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'halfway' originated from the combination of 'half' and 'way' in the 14th century. It has been used to describe the middle point between two extremes or distances. The concept of halfway has been widely used in various contexts, such as in measurements, distances, and time. It symbolizes balance and equilibrium, representing the idea of being at a midpoint. Over the years, 'halfway' has become a commonly used term in everyday language, reflecting the significance of being at a point that is equidistant between two others.

See also: half, halfling.