first-half
UK[ˌfɜːst ˈhɑːf]US[ˌfɜːrst ˈhæf]
adj
Relating to or occurring in the first part of a game, performance, period of time, etc.
n
The first part of a game, performance, period of time, etc.
Morpheme Breakdown
first
half
first
ordinal
half
portion
Etymology
The compound "first-half" is a transparent combination of two native English words. "First" originates from the Old English superlative form of "fore," solidifying its meaning as the foremost in position or time. "Half" descends from the Proto-Germanic halbaz, meaning "side" or "part," which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root skel-, "to cut." The logic of the compound is purely arithmetic and sequential: it designates the initial one of two equal temporal or spatial divisions. This straightforward construction reflects a characteristically Germanic method of forming precise descriptive terms by joining existing lexical elements.
Analysis
Structure: first (ordinal) + half (portion)
- first: From Old English fyrst, fyrest, related to fore; of Germanic origin. Functions as an ordinal number indicating position before all others.
- half: From Old English healf (part, side); of Germanic origin. Functions as a noun denoting one of two equal parts.
Examples
The team scored two goals in the first-half of the match.
First-half profits showed a significant increase compared to last year.
The concert's first-half featured works by contemporary composers.