whilst
gb/wˈaɪlst/ us/wˈaɪlst/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
conjunction
formal
B1
relation
1
during the time that
at the same time as something else
Usage pattern:
whilst [clause] / whilst [verb-ing]
Common mistake:
In American English, while is much more common than whilst. Avoid using whilst in very casual speech if you want a neutral style.
Synonyms
while (More common and more neutral in modern English (especially in the US).)
Collocations
whilst doing something
|whilst waiting
|whilst working
|whilst studying
|whilst travelling
|whilst eating
|whilst talking
|whilst driving
|whilst I was
|whilst you were
Themes
time
|daily_life
Examples
- I listened to the news whilst I made breakfast.
- Please stay seated whilst the train is moving.
- She checked her emails whilst waiting for the meeting to start.
Learner examples
- I read a book whilst I eat.
- He slept whilst I studied.
conjunction
formal
B2
relation
2
contrasting two situations
used to show a contrast between two things
Usage pattern:
[clause], whilst [clause]
Common mistake:
Don’t use this sense if you only mean time. If it means contrast, it is close to whereas, not during.
Synonyms
whereas (More explicit contrast; common in formal writing.)
|
while (Often used the same way, but less formal than whilst.)
Collocations
whilst others
|whilst the rest
|whilst some people
|whilst many
|whilst in
|whilst those
|whilst he
|whilst she
|whilst we
|whilst they
Themes
comparison
|writing
Examples
- The city centre is busy, whilst the suburbs are usually quiet.
- Some customers want speed, whilst others care more about price.
- He prefers working alone, whilst his sister likes teamwork.
Learner examples
- I like tea, whilst my brother likes coffee.
conjunction
formal
C1
relation
3
although; despite that
used like although to add a contrast
Usage pattern:
whilst [clause], [clause]
Common mistake:
This is more formal than although. Make sure the meaning is ‘even though’, not ‘at the same time’.
Synonyms
although (More common and natural in everyday speech.)
|
even though (Stronger and more conversational than whilst.)
Collocations
whilst I agree
|whilst it is true
|whilst this may be
|whilst understandable
|whilst important
|whilst still
|whilst not
|whilst there is
|whilst we recognise
|whilst acknowledging
Themes
opinions
|writing
Examples
- Whilst I understand your point, I still think it’s risky.
- Whilst the plan is ambitious, it isn’t impossible.
- Whilst she’s not a specialist, she has plenty of experience.
Learner examples
- Whilst it is hard, I will try.
Grammar
Dictionary form
whilst
IPA
GB/wˈaɪlst/
US/wˈaɪlst/
Syllables & stress
whilst (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (whilst)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: whilst
- Plural: whilsts
Expressions
whilst you're at it
1/wˈaɪlst jˈʊɹ ˈæt ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
also do this extra thing
please do this too
Examples
- Could you post this letter, and whilst you’re at it, pick up some milk?
- If you’re going to the kitchen, whilst you’re at it, can you bring me a glass of water?
- Take the bins out, and whilst you’re at it, wipe down the counter.