meanwhile
The time between two events.
Noun 1 meaning
The time between two events.
Adverb 3 meanings
During the time that something is happening, often specifically in a different place.
“There was a party going on downstairs. Meanwhile, I was reading a book.”
During an intervening time; from now until a future time.
“We’re going on holiday next month; meanwhile, keep working on the project.”
In contrast to aspects previously mentioned.
“Some songs on the album are beautiful. Meanwhile, others are quite forgettable.”
Etymology
From Middle English menewhile, equivalent to mean (“intermediate”) + while. Adverb is by ellipsis from in the mean while, noun being conventionally written as one word after the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
MEANWHILE at a glance
MEANWHILE has 9 letters and scores 17 points in Scrabble (M 3 + E 1 + A 1 + N 1 + W 4 + H 4 + I 1 + L 1 + E 1) and 19 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #3,051 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with meanwhile
All rhymesKeep going
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