“By half” is a commonly used phrase in the English language that refers to a reduction of 50% or an amount that is exactly half of what it was previously. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, from discussing financial matters to describing physical measurements.
Definitions
The phrase “by half” can be defined as a reduction of 50% or exactly half of something. It can also refer to an amount that is divided equally between two people or groups.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “by half” is not clear, but it is believed to date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that the phrase evolved from the use of “half” as a measure of quantity or proportion.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “by half” means “to an extent that is 50 percent less than before.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to the extent of one-half; by one-half.”
Associations
The phrase “by half” is commonly associated with financial matters, such as a reduction in prices or a decrease in profits. It can also be used in discussions of physical measurements, such as the length or width of an object.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “by half” include “half as much,” “50 percent less,” and “half the amount.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of “by half” include “double,” “twice as much,” and “100 percent more.”
The same root words
The phrase “by half” does not have any root words, as it is a standalone expression.
Example Sentences
- The company’s profits were down by half this quarter compared to last quarter.
- I cut the recipe in half, so we only need to buy by half the amount of ingredients.
- The width of the room was reduced by half when we moved the furniture.
- The price of the car was lowered by half during the end-of-year sale.
- We split the pizza by half so that everyone could have an equal share.