while
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/waɪl/
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A link between events in time, ideas in contrast, or an imprecisely measured period.
Examples
She called me while we were driving.
The north stayed dry, while the south had heavy rain.
The first room is bright, while the second is quite dark.
Do not use your phone while crossing the road.
While nobody was hurt, the accident was serious.
Similar words
spell
period
interval
althoughpass
time
idle away
when
butthough
Meanings
Examples
I listened to music while I cooked.
Please wait here while I check.
She called me while we were driving.
Do not use your phone while crossing the road.
He learned French while living in Lyon.
Examples
The first room is bright, while the second is quite dark.
Some people drive, while others take the train.
Her brother loves crowds, while she prefers quiet places.
The north stayed dry, while the south had heavy rain.
This model is fast, while the cheaper one uses less power.
Examples
While the plan is cheap, it may be unreliable.
While I understand your concern, I disagree.
While the job was tiring, it taught me a lot.
While nobody was hurt, the accident was serious.
While this is a useful start, more evidence is needed.
Examples
Stay for a while and have some tea.
I have not seen him in a while.
It took a while to fix the heating.
After a while, the noise stopped.
Could you watch my bag for a while?
Examples
We whiled away the afternoon by the river.
She whiles away the journey with crossword puzzles.
They whiled away an hour talking over coffee.
How did you while away the long wait?
He was whiling away the evening with a novel.
Etymology
From Old English hwīl, “a period of time”; the temporal idea developed into the conjunction uses and the verb preserved in while away.
FAQ
It can link simultaneous events, contrast facts, introduce a concession, or name a period of time.
What is the difference between while and during?
While normally introduces a clause, whereas during normally comes before a noun phrase.
Yes. At the start of a clause, it can acknowledge one fact before a contrasting point.
What does “a while” mean?
It means a period of time whose exact length is not stated.
What does “while away” mean?
It means to pass time in an easy or pleasant way.
Is whilst the same as while?
Usually yes. Whilst is especially associated with British English and can sound more formal.
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