Whilst: meaning, definitions and examples

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whilst

 

[ waɪlst ]

Conjunction
Context #1 | Conjunction

in formal writing

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

Synonyms

while

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

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

Etymology

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.

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.