dīmidium
neuter
The English word 'half' can be translated into Latin as dīmidium.
The term dīmidium is a common and versatile way to express the concept of a half. It refers to one of two roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided. Additionally, the prefix semi- can be added to certain Latin words to convey the idea of being half.
Meaning: one of two roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided (noun)
Which one should you use?
dīmidium functions primarily as a noun meaning 'a half', but it can also serve as an adjective meaning 'halved' or 'divided into two'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The default noun form dīmidium is a neuter noun of the second declension. The related word sēmis is an adjective meaning 'consisting of a half'.
Did you know?
- Roman coinage used the semis, a bronze coin worth 'half' an as, which was essential for everyday small transactions in the Roman marketplace.
- The term dīmidium is fundamentally linked to the word dīvidō, meaning 'to divide', showing that the Roman concept of a 'half' was defined by the act of splitting.
- In Roman timekeeping, certain divisions of the day or month were expressed using roots related to 'half', establishing a rhythmic way of viewing time through splitting.
Examples in context
- Dimidium panisHalf a loaf of bread
- Dimidium horaeHalf an hour
- Hoc dīmidium mihi dā.Give this half to me.
- Dīmidium panis in mensā est.Half of the bread is on the table.
- Tibi dīmidium operis dēdī.I gave you half of the work.
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are sharing a piece of fruit.
- GaiusVisne hoc mālum dīvidere?Do you want to divide this apple?
- JuliaIta, dā mihi dīmidium.Yes, give me half.
- GaiusEcce, dīmidium tibi datum est.Here, half has been given to you.
- JuliaGrātiās tibi agō, Gai.Thank you, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “half” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
