second-half
UK[ˌsek.ənd ˈhɑːf]US[ˌsek.ənd ˈhæf]
n
The second of two equal periods of time into which a sports game or other event is divided.
n
The latter part of any period of time or process.
Morpheme Breakdown
second
half
second
ordinal
half
portion
Etymology
The compound "second-half" is a transparent modern English formation built from two native elements. "Second" originates from the Latin sequi (to follow), with secundus meaning "the following one," which entered English via French. "Half" is a foundational Germanic word, from Old English healf, denoting one of two parts. Combined, the term logically describes the "following part" of a divided whole. Its primary use in sports terminology, especially football, concretizes this temporal division, while its metaphorical extension to any latter phase demonstrates the compound's intuitive semantic logic.
Analysis
Structure: second (ordinal) + half (portion)
- second: From Latin secundus (following, next), via Old French. Functions as an ordinal number.
- half: From Old English healf (side, part), from Proto-Germanic. Functions as a noun meaning one of two equal parts.
Examples
The team scored two crucial goals in the second-half.
We expect sales to improve in the second-half of the fiscal year.
The film's second-half is much more intense than the beginning.