meanwhile
gb/mˈinwˌaɪl/ us/mˈinwˌaɪl/
B1
Inglês
~ 2000
Acepções
0 acepção
adverb
B1
relation
1
at the same time
Happening at the same time as something else.
Padrão de uso:
[Something happens]. Meanwhile, [something else happens].
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse 'meanwhile' with 'in the meantime'. 'Meanwhile' usually connects two ongoing or simultaneous actions; 'in the meantime' often refers to a temporary period before something happens.
Sinônimos
simultaneously (More formal; used in academic or technical contexts.)
|
at the same time (A more common, plain-English equivalent.)
Antônimos
separately (Indicates events happen apart, not at the same time.)
Colocações
meanwhile back
|meanwhile in
|meanwhile elsewhere
|meanwhile the situation
Temas
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- She was cooking dinner. Meanwhile, he set the table.
- The kids played outside; meanwhile, their parents chatted in the kitchen.
- Meanwhile, across town, police were investigating the crime.
- He finished his homework. Meanwhile, his sister watched TV.
- The company is expanding; meanwhile, profits are declining.
Exemplos para estudantes
- I read a book. Meanwhile, my brother played a game.
- She cleaned the room. Meanwhile, he washed the dishes.
- The sun was shining. Meanwhile, it was snowing in the mountains.
- He worked on his car. Meanwhile, she painted the fence.
- I waited for the bus. Meanwhile, I listened to music.
adverb
B1
relation
2
in the meantime
For the time before something else happens.
Padrão de uso:
[Something will happen soon]. Meanwhile, [something else happens].
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes use 'meanwhile' incorrectly to mean 'at that moment' rather than 'during this period'.
Sinônimos
in the meantime (Very close synonym; slightly more common in everyday speech.)
Antônimos
immediately (Opposite in terms of no waiting period.)
Colocações
in the meanwhile
|meanwhile until
Temas
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The bus will arrive in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, let's get some coffee.
- The new software will be ready next week; meanwhile, we will continue using the old system.
- Dinner is almost ready; meanwhile, could you set the table?
- The movie starts at 8. Meanwhile, we can play cards.
- The repairs will take a few days; meanwhile, we’ll stay at a hotel.
Exemplos para estudantes
- The train is late. Meanwhile, we wait.
- He will come soon. Meanwhile, I read a book.
- The cake is baking. Meanwhile, I clean the kitchen.
- We have to wait. Meanwhile, we talk.
- The store opens at 9. Meanwhile, we drink coffee.
Gramática
Forma no dicionário
meanwhile
AFI
GB/mˈinwˌaɪl/
US/mˈinwˌaɪl/
Sílabas e tonicidade
mean - while (2 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (mean)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: meanwhile
- Plural: meanwhiles
Família de palavras
Expressões
in the meanwhile
1/ˈɪn ðə mˈinwˌaɪl/
fixed phrase
during this intervening time
During the time before something else happens.
Exemplos
- The project will start next month. In the meanwhile, we will prepare the materials.
- Dinner will be ready in an hour. In the meanwhile, let's watch TV.