While Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/waɪl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Pronoun or Conjunction

Definition

A word used to indicate a condition or circumstance under which something occurs or is true.

Examples

• I’ll go to the store while you’re finishing your homework.
• He will attend the meeting while the CEO is present.

Synonyms

• As long as
• As soon as
• During

Antonyms

• Until
• Until then

Additional Information

While is often used to indicate a condition that is in effect for a specific period of time or until a particular event occurs. It is commonly used in both casual and formal language.

While is also used to indicate a contrast or a qualification to a statement. For example, “I love reading books, while my sister prefers watching movies.”

In academic or formal writing, while may be used to introduce a condition or circumstance that affects the validity of a statement or the scope of a phenomenon.

Etymology

The word while is derived from Old English “hwīl”, which means “for what time” or “whence”. It is a contraction of “whĕn” (when) and “hwa” (how long).

Usage Notes

In spoken language, while is often used interchangeably with as long as, for instance “I’ll go to the store as long as the store is open” is equivalent to “I’ll go to the store while the store is open”.

Cultural References

The phrase “while we were sleeping” is referenced in the title of a 1938 film “While We Were Sleepwalking”, starring Richard Dix.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• While the ink is still wet, meaning “while the situation is still unresolved”.
• While the cat’s away, meaning “when the person in charge is absent or distracted”.

Related Words or Phrases

• As
• Until
• During

Collocations

• While I’m away
• While you’re gone
• While the party is going on

Frequency of Use

While is a relatively common word in modern language, used frequently in both spoken and written communication.

Common Misspellings

• Whil
• Wilie