mean‧while W2 / minwaɪl / 副词 [句子副词]

1 while something else is happening :

Cook the sauce over a medium heat until it thickens. Meanwhile start boiling the water for the pasta.

2 ( also in the meanwhile ) in the period of time between two events :

The flight will be an 名词 ced soon. Meanwhile, please remain seated.

I knew I wouldn’t get my exam results for several weeks, and I wasn’t sure what to do in the meanwhile.

3 used to compare two things, especially if they are completely different and are happening at the same time :

The incomes of male professionals went up by almost 80%. Meanwhile, part-time women workers saw their earnings fall.

THESAURUS

while during the time that you are doing something, or something is happening : I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train. | While we were on holiday, my bag was stolen.

meanwhile at the same time as something else is happening : They’re still working on our bedroom. Meanwhile, we’re sleeping downstairs. | The Russians, meanwhile, declared war on August 8.

in the meantime during the period of time between now and a future event, or between two events in the past : More aid is expected soon, but in the meantime these people are going hungry. | My new job hadn’t started, so in the meantime I tried to write a book.

whilst British English while. Whilst sounds a little more formal than while : One American plane was forced to land whilst flying over North Korea. | Whilst all this was going on, the performers were getting ready for the show.