Whilst: meaning, definitions and examples
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whilst
[ waɪlst ]
in formal writing
While or at the same time that. It is more formal and less common than 'while'.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Whilst I appreciate your offer, I must decline.
- He was singing whilst he was cooking dinner.
in British English
Although. It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the one before.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He lost the game, whilst he had been the favorite to win.
Translations
Translations of the word "whilst" in other languages:
🇵🇹 enquanto
🇮🇳 जबकि
🇩🇪 während
🇮🇩 sementara
🇺🇦 поки
🇵🇱 podczas gdy
🇯🇵 ～の間に
🇫🇷 pendant que
🇪🇸 mientras que
🇹🇷 iken
🇰🇷 동안
🇸🇦 بينما
🇨🇿 zatímco
🇸🇰 zatiaľ čo
🇨🇳 当...的时候
🇸🇮 medtem ko
🇮🇸 á meðan
🇰🇿 пока
🇬🇪 სანამ
🇦🇿 olarkən
🇲🇽 mientras
Word origin
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.
See also: while.