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Meantime: meaning, definitions and examples

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meantime

 

[ ˈmiːnˌtaɪm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in the meantime

Meanwhile; during the time before a particular event happens. In the meantime, we can work on other projects.

Synonyms

in the interim, in the meanwhile, meanwhile

Examples of usage

  • In the meantime, I'll go grab some coffee.
  • She's not here yet, but we can start the meeting in the meantime.
Context #2 | Noun

in the meantime

During the interval of time between two events; meanwhile. The repairs will take a few days, in the meantime we can use public transportation.

Examples of usage

  • The train is delayed, in the meantime, we can have a snack.
  • She's busy right now, so in the meantime, let's wait for her to finish.

Translations

Translations of the word "meantime" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrementes

🇮🇳 इस बीच

🇩🇪 in der Zwischenzeit

🇮🇩 sementara itu

🇺🇦 тим часом

🇵🇱 w międzyczasie

🇯🇵 その間

🇫🇷 pendant ce temps

🇪🇸 mientras tanto

🇹🇷 bu arada

🇰🇷 그 동안에

🇸🇦 في غضون ذلك

🇨🇿 mezitím

🇸🇰 medzitým

🇨🇳 同时

🇸🇮 medtem

🇮🇸 á meðan

🇰🇿 осы уақытта

🇬🇪 ამასობაში

🇦🇿 bu arada

🇲🇽 mientras tanto

Etymology

The word 'meantime' originated in the early 14th century. It is a combination of the words 'mean' and 'time'. Over the centuries, it has been used to refer to the time between two events or as a synonym for 'meanwhile'.

See also: demean, demeaning, mean, meaningless, meanly, meanness, means, meant, meanwhile, meanwhilst.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,627 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.