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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

While

(h)waɪl
Very common
~ 1500
~ 1500, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
During the time that, Although, A period of time

While - Meanings

During the time that

Example: She read a book while waiting for the bus.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'while' and is used to indicate something that happens at the same time as something else.

Although

Example: While I appreciate your help, I think I can handle this on my own.
Usage: formalContext: written or formal speech
Note: In this context, 'while' is used to introduce a contrast or concession.

A period of time

Example: I'll be away for a while, so please take care of yourself.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Here, 'while' refers to an unspecified amount of time.

While's synonyms

whilst

While 'while' is commonly used in American English, 'whilst' is more commonly used in British English. Both words mean 'during the time that' or 'at the same time as.'
Example: I will cook dinner whilst you set the table.
Note: Regional variation in usage

as

'As' can be used to indicate two actions happening simultaneously. It is more formal than 'while' and can also be used to show cause or reason.
Example: She sang as she danced.
Note: Formality and versatility

during

'During' is used to indicate a period of time in which something happens. It is more specific than 'while' and often refers to a particular time frame.
Example: I read a book during my lunch break.
Note: Specificity in time reference

While expressions, common phrases

while away

To spend time idly or pleasantly.
Example: I like to while away the hours reading in the park.
Note: The phrase 'while away' adds the idea of passing time in a leisurely manner, unlike just 'while' which simply denotes a period of time.

all the while

Throughout a period of time; despite appearances.
Example: She seemed calm all the while, but inside she was nervous.
Note: Adding 'all the' emphasizes continuity or consistency throughout the given time period.

in a while

A short period of time; soon.
Example: I'll be ready to go in a while, just give me a few more minutes.
Note: This phrase specifies a brief duration of time, contrasting with the general sense of 'while' as a period without specifying its length.

while at it

In addition to doing something else; simultaneously.
Example: I'll pick up some groceries while at it.
Note: The addition of 'at it' implies doing something else concurrently or taking advantage of the situation, not just during a period of time.

once in a while

Occasionally; not very often.
Example: I treat myself to ice cream once in a while.
Note: The inclusion of 'once' emphasizes infrequency or rarity, unlike the general sense of 'while' which denotes a period of time.

while the going is good

While a situation is favorable or promising.
Example: Let's invest in the stock market while the going is good.
Note: This phrase suggests taking advantage of a positive situation or circumstance, unlike 'while' which is more neutral in its meaning of a period of time.

while stocks last

Until the supply is exhausted; until the goods are gone.
Example: Hurry and get your discount while stocks last!
Note: The phrase specifies a limited duration based on availability, contrasting with the general sense of 'while' as a period of time without restriction.

While everyday (slang) expressions

a minute

Used to indicate a short period of time, not necessarily 60 seconds.
Example: I'll be back in a minute.
Note: Different from 'while' as it implies a shorter duration.

hot second

Refers to an extended period of time, longer than expected.
Example: I haven't seen her in a hot second.
Note: Contrary to 'while' indicating a brief duration.

tick

Derived from 'tick of the clock', meaning a short moment.
Example: I'll be there in a tick.
Note: Emphasis on a very short span of time compared to 'while'.

sec

Abbreviation of 'second', indicating a very brief moment.
Example: Hold on a sec, I'll get my keys.
Note: Similar to 'a minute', highlighting a short timespan.

jiffy

Refers to a short, unspecified amount of time.
Example: I'll have it done in a jiffy.
Note: Emphasizes a quick completion rather than a vague period like 'while'.

mo

Abbreviation of 'moment', suggesting a brief pause.
Example: Give me a mo to check my calendar.
Note: Similar to 'a minute', indicating a short timeframe.

split second

Denotes a very short, almost instantaneous duration.
Example: She made her decision in a split second.
Note: Stresses an extremely brief time compared to 'while'.

While - Examples

While I was studying, my sister was watching TV.
He will wait while you finish your work.
Amíg nem találunk megoldást, addig amíg nem találunk kiutat, nem tudunk továbblépni.

While grammar

While - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: while
Conjugations
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): while
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): whiled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): whiling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): whiles
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): while
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): while
Syllabification and Stress
while Contains 1 syllables: while
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l
while , ˈ(h)wī( ə)l (The red syllable is stressed)

While - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
while: ~ 1500 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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