halfway
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for halfway, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — At the midpoint between two places, times, or amounts.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use halfway
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English healfweġ, joining half and way — literally "half of the way."
Full origin of halfway →Frequently asked questions
What does “halfway” mean?
The word “halfway” means at the midpoint between two places, times, or amounts. In plain terms, right in the middle of something, whether that's a distance, a time period, or an effort.
How do you pronounce “halfway”?
“Halfway” is pronounced hahf-WAY (/ˌhæfˈweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “halfway” in a sentence?
Here is “halfway” used in a sentence: “We stopped for lunch halfway through the drive.”
What part of speech is “halfway”?
Depending on how it is used, “halfway” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “halfway” come from?
The word “halfway” comes from Old English. From Old English healfweġ, joining half and way — literally "half of the way.".
Is “halfway” a common word?
“Halfway” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “halfway” have?
“Halfway” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at the midpoint between two places, times, or amounts.
Is halfway one word or two?
In modern English, halfway is written as one word: "We're halfway there." The hyphenated half-way is an older form, and writing it as two separate words is now generally considered nonstandard.
What is the difference between halfway and midway?
Both mean at or near the midpoint of a distance, time, or process. Halfway is the everyday choice and also means "partly," as in "halfway convinced," while midway sounds slightly more formal and is common in phrases like "midway through the season."
What is a halfway house?
A halfway house is a supervised residence that helps people transition back into everyday life, for example after prison or treatment. Figuratively, especially in British English, it also means a midpoint or compromise between two options.