Definition

1. Adjective & Adverb:
   • Equal in degree, extent, or amount; equally matched or balanced: The term "fifty-fifty" describes a situation where something is divided into two equal halves or where the chances, contributions, or outcomes are exactly even.

Usage

• As an Adjective: Used before a noun to describe a split, chance, or partnership that is equal.
  • They made a fifty-fifty deal to share the profits.
  • The poll shows a fifty-fifty split in public opinion on the issue.
• As an Adverb: Used to describe how an action (like dividing or sharing) is performed equally.
  • Let's split the bill fifty-fifty.
  • They agreed to go fifty-fifty on the new investment.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The contract stipulates a fifty-fifty ownership of the company.
  • We have a fifty-fifty chance of winning the lottery, either we do or we don't.
• Adverb:
  • After the game, they divided the prize money fifty-fifty.
  • If we find treasure, we'll share it fifty-fifty.

Advanced Usage

• "on a fifty-fifty basis": This phrase explicitly states that an arrangement is founded on equal sharing.
  • The two nations agreed to develop the resources on a fifty-fifty basis.
• "a fifty-fifty proposition": Refers to a venture or decision where the outcome is uncertain but the odds are even.
  • Starting a new restaurant is always a fifty-fifty proposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Even (adj/adv): Equal or level. Often used interchangeably with "fifty-fifty" in contexts like "an even split" or "an even chance."
• Half-and-half (adj/adv): A mixture of two equal parts, often used for physical mixtures (e.g., a drink).
• Equally (adv): In an equal or identical manner.

Synonyms

• Equally
• Evenly
• Half and half

Related Phrases

• Go halves: To share the cost of something equally with someone else.
  • Do you want to go halves on a pizza?
• Split down the middle: To divide something into two equal parts.
  • The committee's vote was split down the middle.

Idioms

• It's a toss-up: An idiom meaning a situation where two outcomes are equally likely.
  • Who will win? It's a toss-up. (This is similar in meaning to "it's a fifty-fifty chance.")

Adjective

1. equal in degree or extent or amount; or equally matched or balanced
   • even amounts of butter and sugar
   • on even terms
   • it was a fifty-fifty (or even) split
   • had a fifty-fifty (or even) chance
   • an even fight