meanwhile — at the same time; during the intervening time
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: at the same time; during the intervening time
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmiːnˌwaɪl/
Example Sentences
- Dad went to buy milk. Meanwhile, the cat drank all the milk in the fridge.
- The students were taking a test. Meanwhile, the teacher was dreaming about vacation.
- I'm studying for CSAT. Meanwhile, my friends are enjoying their weekend.
meanwhile
ADVERB[/ˈmiːnˌwaɪl/]
at the same time; during the intervening time
The parents cooked dinner while the children played outside meanwhile.
The team fixed the software meanwhile customers continued using the service. (MEAN TIME + WHILE = MEANWHILE)
She worked hard meanwhile others smiled because the effort became worthwhile.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English, combining 'mean' (from Old English 'mǽn' meaning 'common' or 'shared') with 'while' (from Old English 'hwīl' meaning 'a period of time'). The word originally meant 'during the intervening time' or 'in the time between events'.
Breakdown
mean- (middle, intervening) + -while (time, period) = meanwhile (during the intervening time)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Dad went to buy milk. Meanwhile, the cat drank all the milk in the fridge.”
“The students were taking a test. Meanwhile, the teacher was dreaming about vacation.”
“I'm studying for CSAT. Meanwhile, my friends are enjoying their weekend.”
“The economy is recovering. Meanwhile, inflation continues to rise.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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