halvfull

Halvfull is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to describe something that is only partly filled, most often a glass. It corresponds to the English phrase half-full and is used as an adjective or predicative complement in sentences such as “Glasset er halvfull.”

Etymology and form: The word is a compound of halv (half) and full (full). In practice, spelling and inflection can vary with dialect and grammar, and speakers may encounter forms like halvfullt or halvfull depending on context.

Usage and meaning: Literally, halvfull denotes partial fullness. Culturally, it is closely tied to the popular contrast between a half-full and a half-empty glass, a metaphor used to express optimism versus pessimism. In everyday language, halvfull can appear in discussions about situations that are not complete or fully resolved, often implying a constructive or hopeful view compared with the opposite assessment glasset er halvtomt (the glass is half-empty).

See also: glass half-full, glass half-empty, optimism, framing effect.