English Reference

Word

halves

US/ˈhævz/

UK/hˈɑːvz/

Definition

n. two equal parts that together make one whole thing.

n. the plural form of 'half', referring to two equal portions into which something is or can be divided.

Examples

“She cut the apple into two halves for the children.”

“The football match is divided into two forty-five minute halves with a short break in between.”

“The inheritance was split into two equal halves, ensuring that both siblings received an identical share of the estate's liquid assets.”

Examples

simple

“She cut the apple into two halves for the children.”

contextual

“The football match is divided into two forty-five minute halves with a short break in between.”

complex

“The inheritance was split into two equal halves, ensuring that both siblings received an identical share of the estate's liquid assets.”

Pitfall

He cut the apple into two halfs.

He cut the apple into two halves.

Nouns ending in -f often change to -ves in the plural; 'half' always becomes 'halves'.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

do by halves — To perform (a task, etc) partially or incompletely; to do (something) inadequately, halfheartedly, or shoddily.

go halves — To divide equally between two parties.

This entry

Level
A2 · Elementary
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference