half-dozen
/'hɑ:f'dʌzn/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Consisting of six items or units: "Half-dozen" is used to describe a quantity of exactly six things. It is synonymous with the number six but often implies a small, countable group.
Usage
- As an adjective: "Half-dozen" directly modifies a noun to indicate the quantity is six.
- I bought a half-dozen eggs. (This means I bought six eggs.)
- We need a half-dozen chairs for the meeting. (This means we need six chairs.)
Advanced Usage
- "a half-dozen": The most common usage, almost always preceded by the indefinite article "a," forming the phrase "a half-dozen." It functions as a determiner.
- She invited a half-dozen friends to her party.
- Used without a noun: In some contexts, "a half-dozen" can stand alone, with the noun being implied from the conversation.
- How many do you need? I'll take a half-dozen. (Here, the item being counted is understood from context.)
Variants and Related Words
- Half a dozen: This is a common alternative phrasing with identical meaning. It is often considered slightly more informal.
- I'd like half a dozen of those, please.
- Six: The cardinal number. "Half-dozen" is a more descriptive way of saying "six," often used for emphasis or to sound less technical.
- Sextet: A group of six people or things, especially in music or formal contexts. This is a noun, not a direct synonym for the adjective "half-dozen."
Synonyms
- Six: The direct numerical equivalent.
- Sextuple: Consisting of six parts or things. (More technical/formal)
Related Phrases
- Bakers' dozen: This is a related idiom meaning thirteen, not six. It is included for contrast, as both phrases use "dozen" but specify different quantities.
- A bakers' dozen is thirteen, but a half-dozen is only six.
Adjective
-
denoting a quantity consisting of six items or units
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