While: meaning, definitions and examples

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while

[waɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Conjunction}

connecting words or phrases

used to indicate a contrast or opposition between two clauses or phrases

Synonyms

whereas, whilst.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
while	Typically used to indicate that two actions or situations are happening at the same time. It's the most commonly used form in everyday speech and writing. She read a book while waiting for the bus. While he was cooking, the phone rang.
whilst	A more formal or British English variant of 'while'. It's less common in American English and often found in formal writing. Whilst the sun was setting, they decided to go for a walk. She managed the project well, whilst dealing with personal issues simultaneously.
whereas	Used to contrast two different situations or facts. It formalizes the contrast between two clauses. She likes to read fiction whereas he prefers non-fiction. Cats are independent animals, whereas dogs are more social.

Word

Description / Examples

while

Typically used to indicate that two actions or situations are happening at the same time. It's the most commonly used form in everyday speech and writing.

She read a book while waiting for the bus.
While he was cooking, the phone rang.

whilst

A more formal or British English variant of 'while'. It's less common in American English and often found in formal writing.

Whilst the sun was setting, they decided to go for a walk.
She managed the project well, whilst dealing with personal issues simultaneously.

whereas

Used to contrast two different situations or facts. It formalizes the contrast between two clauses.

She likes to read fiction whereas he prefers non-fiction.
Cats are independent animals, whereas dogs are more social.

Examples of usage

I like tea, while my sister prefers coffee.
She is studying, while her friends are playing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

period of time

a period of time

Synonyms

moment, time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
while	Use this word when referring to a period of time during which something happens. It often connects two events or actions. She read a book while waiting for the bus. Please hold on for a while.
time	This is a general term that can refer to the general concept of time or more specifically to a particular duration or point in time. What time is the meeting? Time heals all wounds.
moment	Use this word to describe a very brief period of time, often emphasizing its importance or significance. It was a moment of pure happiness. Wait a moment, I'll be right there.

Word

Description / Examples

while

Use this word when referring to a period of time during which something happens. It often connects two events or actions.

She read a book while waiting for the bus.
Please hold on for a while.

time

This is a general term that can refer to the general concept of time or more specifically to a particular duration or point in time.

What time is the meeting?
Time heals all wounds.

moment

Use this word to describe a very brief period of time, often emphasizing its importance or significance.

It was a moment of pure happiness.
Wait a moment, I'll be right there.

Examples of usage

I worked there for a while.
She'll be back in a while.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to pass the time

spend time in a specified way or in a particular place

Synonyms

pass, spend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
while	Used when you want to emphasize a short period of free time or a break. It often has a casual or informal tone. It’s been a while since we last met. Would you stay with us for a while?
pass	Used when talking about the movement of time or when you want to describe giving something to someone. Can also refer to successfully completing a test or being approved. Two hours passed quickly. Can you pass me the salt? He passed the final exam with flying colors.
spend	Used when you talk about using time or money for a particular purpose. Often indicates how someone chose to use their resources. She spends her weekends hiking in the mountains. He spent all his savings on a new car.

Word

Description / Examples

while

Used when you want to emphasize a short period of free time or a break. It often has a casual or informal tone.

It’s been a while since we last met.
Would you stay with us for a while?

pass

Used when talking about the movement of time or when you want to describe giving something to someone. Can also refer to successfully completing a test or being approved.

Two hours passed quickly.
Can you pass me the salt?
He passed the final exam with flying colors.

spend

Used when you talk about using time or money for a particular purpose. Often indicates how someone chose to use their resources.

She spends her weekends hiking in the mountains.
He spent all his savings on a new car.

Examples of usage

I while away the hours reading.
They whiled the evening away playing cards.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'while' comes from Old English 'hwil,' which means 'a period of time.'
It has been used in English since the 12th century, evolving in meaning over the centuries.
The initial form was closely related to words in other Germanic languages that also denote periods or times.

Grammar

'While' can be used as a conjunction to connect two actions happening simultaneously.
It can also function as a noun, referring to a period of time, such as saying 'stay for a while.'
Common phrases like 'all the while' or 'for a while' emphasize duration and continuous action.

Literature

'While' is frequently used in poetry and literature to create rhythm and establish relationships between actions.
Notably, Shakespeare employed this word in various plays to enhance discussions about time and fate.
Modern writers often use 'while' to juxtapose contrasting actions, adding depth to narrative structure.

Cultural Usage

In many cultures, the concept of 'while' connects with mindfulness, focusing on appreciating moments as they happen.
Different languages have unique expressions equivalent to 'while,' highlighting cultural perspectives on time.
The phrase 'while you wait' is common across many cultures, often used to indicate patience or the necessity of waiting during an action.

Psychology

Research in psychology shows that simultaneous processing of actions (like thinking or moving) can lead to increased efficiency.
The concept of multitasking often involves doing something 'while' other activities occur, though this can sometimes reduce overall effectiveness.
Understanding how to properly use 'while' can enhance communication, especially in explaining concurrent thoughts or actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "while" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enquanto

enquanto isso
durante o tempo que

🇮🇳 जबकि

के दौरान
जब तक

🇩🇪 während

solange
währenddessen

🇮🇩 sementara

selama
sedangkan

🇺🇦 поки

тоді як
в той час як

🇵🇱 podczas gdy

gdy
dopóki

🇯🇵 〜の間

〜している間
〜の時に

🇫🇷 pendant que

tandis que
alors que

🇪🇸 mientras

mientras tanto
durante

🇹🇷 iken

sırasında
esnasında

🇰🇷 동안

하는 동안
~하는 동안

🇸🇦 بينما

في حين
خلال

🇨🇿 zatímco

během
když

🇸🇰 kým

zatiaľ čo
počas

🇨🇳 当

而
在...期间

🇸🇮 medtem ko

ko
medtem

🇮🇸 á meðan

á sama tíma og
á meðan á því stendur

🇰🇿 кезінде

аралығында
сол уақытта

🇬🇪 სანამ

როცა
როდესაც

🇦🇿 zamanı

müddətində
olarkən

🇲🇽 mientras

mientras tanto
durante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #116, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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113 place
114 high
115 might
116 while
117 public
118 take
119 little
...