while

  • 21while — n., conj., v., & adv. n. 1 a space of time, time spent in some action (a long while ago; waited a while; all this while). 2 (prec. by the) a during some other process. b poet. during the time that. 3 (prec. by a) for some time (have not seen you… …

    Useful english dictionary

  • 22while*/*/*/ — [waɪl] conjunction I 1) during the time that something is happening Someone called while you were out.[/ex] 2) used when comparing things, situations, or people and showing how they are different While most children learn to read easily, some… …

    Dictionary for writing and speaking English

  • 23while — {{11}}while (n.) O.E. hwile, acc. of hwil a space of time, from P.Gmc. *khwilo (Cf. O.S. hwil, O.Fris. hwile, O.H.G. hwila, Ger. Weile, Goth. hveila space of time, while ), originally rest (Cf. O.N. hvila bed, hvild …

    Etymology dictionary

  • 24while — I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwīl; akin to Old High German hwīla time, Latin quies rest, quiet Date: before 12th century 1. a period of time especially when short and marked by the occurrence of an action or a condition ;… …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 25while — /hwuyl, wuyl/, n., conj., prep., v., whiled, whiling. n. 1. a period or interval of time: to wait a long while; He arrived a short while ago. 2. Archaic. a particular time or occasion. 3. all the while, at or during this time; all along: She… …

    Universalium

  • 26while — noun 1》 (a while) a period of time.     ↘for some time. 2》 (the while) at the same time; meanwhile.     ↘literary during the time that. conjunction 1》 at the same time as. 2》 whereas (indicating a contrast).     ↘although. related adverb during… …

    English new terms dictionary

  • 27while — [[t](h)waɪl, waɪl[/t]] n. conj. prep. v. whiled, whil•ing 1) an interval of time: a long while ago[/ex] 2) fun during or in the time that: He ate ice cream while he waited[/ex] 3) fun throughout the time that; as long as 4) fun even though;… …

    From formal English to slang

  • 28while — /waɪl / (say wuyl) noun 1. a space of time: a long while; a while ago. –conjunction Also, whilst. 2. during or in the time that. 3. throughout the time that, or as long as. 4. at the same time that (implying opposition or contrast): while she… …

  • 29while — We use while + subject + verb. I fell asleep while I was watching television. We met a lot of interesting people while we were on holiday. When you are talking about the future, use the present tense (not will ) after while : I m going to London… …

    Combinatory dictionary

  • 30while — See: AFTER A WHILE or IN A WHILE, ALL THE TIME(1), EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, ONCE IN A WHILE …

    Dictionary of American idioms