Whiling: meaning, definitions and examples

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whiling

 

[ ˈwaɪlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

passing time

Whiling refers to the act of spending time in a leisurely or relaxed manner, often in a way that seems to take longer than usual. This can involve engaging in activities that are enjoyable but not particularly productive.

Synonyms

idling, lounging, relaxing

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon whiling away the hours by the lake.
  • They were whiling away their vacation on the beach.
  • He enjoyed whiling the time away with a good book.

Translations

Translations of the word "whiling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divagando

🇮🇳 बिजी रहना

🇩🇪 verweilen

🇮🇩 melamun

🇺🇦 блукати

🇵🇱 błądzić

🇯🇵 うろつく

🇫🇷 errer

🇪🇸 vagar

🇹🇷 dolaşmak

🇰🇷 배회하다

🇸🇦 التجول

🇨🇿 bloudit

🇸🇰 blúdiť

🇨🇳 徘徊

🇸🇮 tavati

🇮🇸 vandra

🇰🇿 блуждать

🇬🇪 არეულობა

🇦🇿 dolaşmaq

🇲🇽 vagar

Etymology

The word 'whiling' is derived from the verb 'wile' which comes from the Middle English 'wile' meaning 'a trick or ruse'. Historically, it illustrated the concept of spending time cleverly or deceptively. The transition from trickery to the more benign meaning of idling away time reflects a cultural shift towards valuing leisure and rest. Over time, whiling evolved to capture the essence of enjoying time without any specific purpose, resonating with the growing appreciation for leisure activities in modern societies. The distinctions between various forms of passing time (for work, relaxation, play, etc.) have also influenced how we perceive what it means to 'while' away moments in our increasingly fast-paced lives.