Half is one of two equal parts that together make a whole. It can describe quantities, time, or relationships, like a half-hour or a half-brother.
From Old English “healf,” meaning “side, part, half,” related to German “halb.” It originally suggested one side or portion of something divided.
Half started as “one side,” which is why we still talk about “better half” for a partner. The idea of splitting things into two equal sides is so basic that almost every language has a very old word for it.
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