What does WHILE mean?

Definition of While

Part of Speech: conjunction, noun, verb

Definition: While is a versatile word with different meanings depending on its part of speech. As a conjunction, it means "during the time that" or "at the same time as." As a noun, it means "a period of time" or "a short time." As a verb, it means "to pass the time in a leisurely manner."

Pronunciation:

• US: /waɪl/
• UK: /waɪl/

Origin and Usage:

The word while comes from the Old English word hwīl, which meant "a period of time." It has been in use since the 12th century and has evolved to have different meanings depending on its part of speech. As a conjunction, it is commonly used to connect two clauses in a sentence. As a noun, it is often used to refer to a short period of time. As a verb, it is used to describe spending time in a leisurely manner.

Synonyms:

• Conjunction: during, as, whilst
• Noun: moment, interval, period
• Verb: idle, lounge, laze

Related Words:

• While is a unique word with no direct 5 letter synonyms.

Example Sentences:

• Conjunction: While she was cooking dinner, he was setting the table.
• Noun: He waited for a while before she arrived.
• Verb: She whiled away the afternoon reading a book.