half-done

The chef checks the half-done steak on the grill.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Partially completed: "half-done" describes something that has been only partially finished or is in an incomplete state.
   • Not fully cooked: In cooking, especially for meat like steak, "half-done" means cooked to a point where the inside is still partially raw or pink, equivalent to "medium-rare" or "rare."

Usage Examples

• Partially completed:

  • The painting is only half-done, so we cannot hang it yet. (The work is unfinished.)
  • His homework was half-done when he decided to take a break. (Only part of the assignment was completed.)

• Not fully cooked:

  • I prefer my steak half-done, with a warm red center. (Cooked to a medium-rare level.)
  • The chicken was left half-done, which made it unsafe to eat. (Under-cooked.)

Advanced Usage

• "half-done" as a modifier: Often used before nouns to describe a state of partial completion.
  • A half-done project can be difficult to resume later. (An unfinished project.)
  • She served half-done potatoes, which were crunchy inside. (Partially cooked potatoes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Half-done (adj): The standard form; no common variants.
• Half (adj/adv): meaning "partially" or "in part."
  • The cake is half baked. (Partially baked.)

Synonyms

• Incomplete: not finished; lacking some parts.
• Unfinished: not brought to an end or final state.
• Partial: existing only in part; not total.
• Underdone: (of food) not cooked enough; often interchangeable with "half-done" for meat.

Related Idioms

• Half-baked: poorly planned or not fully thought out (often used for ideas or schemes, not for literal cooking).
  • His half-baked plan failed immediately. (A poorly conceived idea.)
• Half-cocked: unprepared or done without proper planning (similar to half-baked but less common for food).
  • She went into the meeting half-cocked and embarrassed herself. (Unprepared.)