halves
Definition
Noun (plural form of "half"): 1. One of two equal parts into which something is divided. 2. Either of two equal periods of play in a game (e.g., football, basketball).
Usage Examples
- (Two equal pieces.)
- (One of two equal periods in a game.)
Advanced Usage
- "go halves": to share the cost of something equally.
- We decided to go halves on the dinner bill. (Each person pays half.)
- "by halves": in an incomplete or half-hearted manner (usually used in negative constructions).
- He never does anything by halves; he always gives his full effort. (He does things completely, not partially.)
- "cry halves": to claim a share of something (archaic or British informal).
- The children cried halves when they saw the cake. (They demanded an equal share.)
Variants and Related Words
- Half (singular noun): one of two equal parts.
- She ate half of the pizza.
- Halfway (adj/adv): at or to a point midway between two extremes.
- We are halfway through the project. (We have completed 50%.)
Synonyms
- Equal parts: portions that are the same size.
- Fifty-fifty: split evenly.
- Bisection: division into two equal parts (formal).
Related Idioms
- "go halves": to share equally.
- Let's go halves on the taxi fare. (Each pays half.)
- "do things by halves": to do something incompletely (usually used in negative form).
- She doesn't do things by halves — she plans every detail. (She is thorough.)
Phrasal Verbs
- "halve" (verb): to divide into two equal parts.
- We need to halve the budget for next year. (Reduce by 50%.)
Note on Usage
The word "halves" is always plural and refers specifically to two equal parts. It is commonly used in contexts involving division, sharing, or sports periods. Avoid confusing it with "half" (singular) or "halve" (verb).