And in the meantime Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ænd ɪn ðə ˈmiːntaɪm/

Part of Speech

Phrase

Definition

A phrase used to indicate that something is happening or will happen while something else is happening or being done.

Examples

I’ll finish this project, and in the meantime, you can start on the next task.
And in the meantime, the company will continue to operate as usual.

Synonyms

In the interim
Meanwhile

Antonyms

Immediately
Simultaneously

Additional Information

And in the meantime is often used in formal or professional settings to indicate that multiple tasks or actions are happening concurrently. It can be used to convey a sense of continuity and efficiency.

In informal conversations, and in the meantime can be used to add a sense of politeness or courtesy to a request or instruction. For example, “Can you pick up some milk on your way home, and in the meantime, I’ll start cooking dinner?”

Etymology

The phrase “and in the meantime” has its roots in Old English, with “and” coming from the Proto-Germanic word “*and-” and “in the meantime” coming from the Proto-Indo-European root “*men-” meaning “to stay” or “to remain”.

Usage Notes

Use and in the meantime to indicate a pause or delay between two actions, or to show that one action is happening while another is being done.

Avoid using and in the meantime in informal writing, such as text messages or social media posts, as it may come across as overly formal.

Cultural References

And in the meantime has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, to convey a sense of continuity and progression.

In the TV show “The Office”, the character Michael Scott often uses the phrase to express himself in a more formal or professional manner.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

In the meantime, back at the ranch
And in the meantime, the cat’s away

Related Words or Phrases

In the interim
Meanwhile
At the same time

Collocations

And in the meantime, we will
I’ll do this, and in the meantime

Frequency of Use

And in the meantime is a moderately common phrase in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.01% in written English.

Common Misspellings

And in the meentime
And in the mentime