Whilst Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whilst

[waɪlst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Conjunction}

in formal writing

While or at the same time that. It is more formal and less common than 'while'.

Synonyms

while.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whilst	This is a more formal or old-fashioned way to say 'while'. It is commonly used in British English and is less common in American English. He read a book whilst waiting for the bus. She looked out the window whilst sipping her tea.
while	This is used in both British and American English and is the more commonly used variant in everyday language. It can be used in both informal and formal settings. He read a book while waiting for the bus. She looked out the window while sipping her tea.

Word

Description / Examples

whilst

This is a more formal or old-fashioned way to say 'while'. It is commonly used in British English and is less common in American English.

He read a book whilst waiting for the bus.
She looked out the window whilst sipping her tea.

while

This is used in both British and American English and is the more commonly used variant in everyday language. It can be used in both informal and formal settings.

He read a book while waiting for the bus.
She looked out the window while sipping her tea.

Examples of usage

Whilst I appreciate your offer, I must decline.
He was singing whilst he was cooking dinner.

^{Context #2 | Conjunction}

in British English

Although. It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the one before.

Synonyms

although.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whilst	Use 'whilst' when you want to introduce something that is happening at the same time as something else. It is often used in British English. She read a book whilst waiting for her friend
although	Use 'although' to introduce a statement that contrasts or contradicts what was previously stated. It is neutral and widely used in both British and American English. Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk

Word

Description / Examples

whilst

Use 'whilst' when you want to introduce something that is happening at the same time as something else. It is often used in British English.

She read a book whilst waiting for her friend

although

Use 'although' to introduce a statement that contrasts or contradicts what was previously stated. It is neutral and widely used in both British and American English.

Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk

Examples of usage

He lost the game, whilst he had been the favorite to win.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'whilst'

The word 'whilst' originated from Middle English, a time when English was heavily influenced by Old French. It was commonly used in British English as a conjunction meaning 'while' or 'although'. Over time, the usage of 'whilst' declined in American English, where 'while' is more commonly used. However, 'whilst' is still used in formal writing in British English.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,357, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3354 synthesis
3355 advised
3356 simultaneously
3357 whilst
3358 anterior
3359 declined
3360 arrest
...