better half

Ultimately from such Latin poetic phrases as animae dīmidium meae (“half of my soul”) (Horace writing about Virgil[1]), when it instead referred to a close friend (compare soulmate). First written instance of it meaning “spouse” was in 1580 by Sir Philip Sidney.

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better half (plural better halves)

1. A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:spouse

   • 1580, Philip Sidney, “Book III”, in The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, page 357:

     But with that Argalus came out of his swoon, […] , it seemed a little cheerful blood came up to his cheeks, like a burning coal, almost dead, if some breath a little revive it: and forcing up, the best he could, his feeble voice, “My dear, my better half,” said he, “I find I must now leave thee: and by that sweet hand, and fair eyes of thine I swear that death brings nothing with it to grieve me but that I must leave thee, […]

   • 2002, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, “Interview”, in The Office, season 2, episode 6 (television production), spoken by Helena (Olivia Colman):

     Private life then, just to flesh out David Brent the man. Is there a better half?

2. (archaic) A very close friend or companion.

• Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect.