half-full
|half/full|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌhæf ˈfʊl/
🇬🇧
/ˌhɑːf ˈfʊl/
partially filled
Etymology
Etymology Information
'half-full' originates from the Old English word 'healf' meaning 'half' and the Middle English word 'ful' meaning 'full'.
Historical Evolution
'healf' and 'ful' combined in Middle English to form 'half-full', maintaining the same meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'partially filled', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describes a container that is filled to 50% of its capacity.
The glass is half-full of water.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
used metaphorically to describe an optimistic perspective.
She always sees the glass as half-full, even in tough situations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/23 05:37