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Meanwhile: meaning, definitions and examples

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meanwhile

 

[ ˈmiːnˌwaɪl ]

Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in the meantime

At the same time, during this time; in the interim.

Synonyms

in the interim, in the meantime, meanwhilst

Examples of usage

  • Meanwhile, I will work on the report.
  • She was busy with her studies; meanwhile, he was preparing for the exam.
  • Meanwhile, the situation worsened.
Context #2 | Noun

a period of time

A period of time between two events or situations.

Synonyms

interim, interlude, meantime

Examples of usage

  • We will wait for your decision, but in the meanwhile, we will continue with our plan.
  • She spent the meanwhile reading a book.

Translations

Translations of the word "meanwhile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enquanto isso

🇮🇳 इस बीच

🇩🇪 inzwischen

🇮🇩 sementara itu

🇺🇦 тим часом

🇵🇱 tymczasem

🇯🇵 その間に

🇫🇷 pendant ce temps

🇪🇸 mientras tanto

🇹🇷 bu arada

🇰🇷 그러는 동안

🇸🇦 في هذه الأثناء

🇨🇿 mezitím

🇸🇰 medzitým

🇨🇳 与此同时

🇸🇮 medtem

🇮🇸 á meðan

🇰🇿 осы кезде

🇬🇪 ამასობაში

🇦🇿 bu arada

🇲🇽 mientras tanto

Etymology

The word 'meanwhile' originated in the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English 'meane while', which meant 'interim, period of time'. The word 'meanwhile' combines 'mean', which at that time meant 'middle', and 'while', referring to a period of time. Over the centuries, the word has retained its original meaning of 'in the meantime' or 'during this time'.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,978 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.