German word

halbwegs

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhalpveːks/

Meaning

  • adverbto some extent

Example

Das Problem ist halbwegs gelöst.

The problem is more or less solved.

Illustration for halbwegs (to some extent)

More examples

Die Arbeit ist halbwegs in Ordnung.

The work is reasonably okay.

Core concept

A solution is serviceable rather than complete, occupying the middle ground between failure and success.

Common phrases

  • halbwegs in Ordnung

    reasonably okay

  • halbwegs zufrieden

    reasonably satisfied

  • halbwegs akzeptabel

    reasonably acceptable

Similar words

ziemlich: To a fairly high degree.
einigermaßen: To a reasonable degree, though less than fully.
teilweise: Only in part, rather than throughout.
annähernd: Nearly reaching the stated condition, but not fully.

Definition in German

gibt an, dass etwas in einem gewissen Maße zutrifft, ohne vollständig zu sein

Word origin

Halbwegs is formed from halb ('half') and Weg ('way'); the spatial notion of being halfway became an adverb meaning 'to some extent'.

Usage tips

  • The word often softens an assessment, so halbwegs gut means 'fairly good' or 'good enough' rather than simply 'half good'.

Other meanings

  • fairlyadverb
  • somewhatadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word