while (A2)

conjunction

Pronunciation: /waɪl/

Definition

During the time that something is happening.

Examples

• I read a book while I waited for the train.

• She sang while she cooked dinner.

• He slept while the movie played.

How to Use while

for a while (prepositional phrase)

For an unspecified period of time. — "Let's rest for a while."

in a while (prepositional phrase)

After a long time. — "I haven't seen them in a while."

Synonyms of while

Words with a similar meaning to while:

• during
• as
• whereas

Antonyms of while

Words with the opposite meaning to while:

• when
• before
• after

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