awhile
gb/əwˈaɪl/ us/əwˈaɪl/
A2
English
~ 1900
rövid ideig, egy darabig, egy kicsit
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to stay/wait/rest [awhile]
We sat on the porch awhile, enjoying the sunset.
Üldögéltünk egy darabig a verandán, és gyönyörködtünk a naplementében.
You should rest awhile before continuing your journey.
Pihenned kellene egy kicsit, mielőtt folytatod az utadat.
He stayed awhile to help clean up after the party.
Let’s talk awhile before you go.
She lingered awhile, hoping to see him again.
Learner examples
Please wait awhile for the bus.
Kérlek, várj egy kicsit a buszra.
He stayed awhile at my house.
Egy darabig nálam maradt.
I will rest awhile after lunch.
We talked awhile in the park.
Stay awhile and have some tea.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'awhile' (adverb) with 'a while' (noun phrase). 'Awhile' is used without a preposition, while 'a while' follows 'for' or 'in'. Example: 'Stay awhile' vs. 'Stay for a while'.
Meaning
for a short period
Collocations
stay awhile
|wait awhile
|rest awhile
|talk awhile
Synonyms
briefly (Implies something happens quickly or is described in few words, not always about duration of staying.)
|
temporarily (Focuses on being not permanent, can be longer than 'awhile'.)
Antonyms
permanently (Indicates something lasting forever, opposite of a short time.)
|
forever (Means for all time, the direct opposite in duration.)
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
For a short time.
For a short period of time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
awhile
IPA
GB/əwˈaɪl/
US/əwˈaɪl/
Syllables & stress
awhile (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: awhile
- Plural: awhiles
Word family
Forms
awhiles
noun
Core family
while
noun A2
Related words
meanwhile
adverb B1
worthwhile
adjective B1
Expressions
rest awhile
1/ɹˈɛst əwˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
relax briefly
To stop working and relax for a short time.
Examples
- Come inside and rest awhile after your walk.
- She rested awhile before starting the next task.
stay awhile
1/stˈeɪ əwˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
remain briefly
To remain in a place for a short time.
Examples
- Please stay awhile and enjoy the music.
- He decided to stay awhile after dinner to chat.
wait awhile
1/wˈeɪt əwˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
pause briefly
To stop and not do anything for a short time.
Examples
- You should wait awhile before making a decision.
- Let’s wait awhile until the rain stops.