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English Lexicon

Meanwhile

/ˈmiːn.waɪl/
adverbnounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #950 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adverb
  1. 1

    During the intervening time; in the period between two events.

    "The train does not leave for an hour; meanwhile, we can grab some coffee."
As noun
  1. 1

    The intervening period of time.

    "Dinner will be ready soon; in the meanwhile, help yourself to some appetizers."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'meane while', combining the adjective 'mean' (meaning intervening or middle) with 'while' (denoting a period of time). Over time, the phrases coalesced into a standard adverbial form used to describe concurrent events happening in different places or during an intervening period.

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