meanwhile
Definition
Meaning: Meanwhile (adverb, noun) is used to indicate that something is happening at the same time as something else, or in the intervening time. It connects two events or actions occurring simultaneously or during a pause.
La signification: Meanwhile (adverbe, nom) signifie "pendant ce temps", "entre-temps" ou "en attendant". Il sert à relier deux actions ou événements qui se déroulent en même temps ou dans l’intervalle.
Example: "She prepared dinner. Meanwhile, her brother set the table."
Grammar: Used as an adverb, often at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. As a noun (less common), it refers to the intervening period ("in the meanwhile").
Quote: "The children were playing outside. Meanwhile, their mother finished her work."
N.B.: "Meanwhile" is frequently used in both spoken and written English to show parallel actions or to bridge narrative time. In French, common translations include "pendant ce temps", "entre-temps", or "en attendant".
Word Analysis
Français »» Pendant ce temps »» Entre-temps »» En attendant Ⓐ Il faisait la vaisselle ; pendant ce temps, elle lisait. Ⓑ Entre-temps, le train est parti. English »» At the same time »» In the meantime »» Simultaneously Ⓐ The team was working; meanwhile, the manager made calls. Ⓑ In the meantime, please wait in the lobby.
Dialogue
Alex: "The report will take an hour to print."
Jamie: "Meanwhile, should we prepare the presentation slides?"
Alex: "Good idea. We can use the time efficiently."
Jamie: "Perfect. Let’s get started."
Poem Extract
Wild Geese, by Mary Oliver [excerpt] You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.Read the full poem
Etymology
Origin: Meanwhile is a compound of "mean" (in the sense of "middle" or "intervening") and "while" (a period of time). It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages to denote the intervening time between two events.
Modern Usage: Today, "meanwhile" is widely used to transition between two actions or storylines happening at the same time or to fill a pause between events.
Grammar Note: Meanwhile is most often used as an adverb at the start of a sentence, but can also be used parenthetically. Example: "I’ll start dinner. Meanwhile, you can set the table."
Audience
Meanwhile is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, including business, academic, and everyday conversation. It’s especially useful for writers, speakers, and students who need to connect simultaneous actions or events.
When to use: Use meanwhile to show that two things are happening at the same time, or to transition between scenes or actions. Example: "The CEO addressed the media. Meanwhile, staff prepared the conference room."
Extra! Extra!
For a lively look at our word of the day, watch the following…During ↔ While ↔ Meanwhile
While or Meanwhile?
WordReference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
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English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
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English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
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Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "meanwhile"
In the meantime
During the intervening period; while waiting for something else to happen.
Example: "The documents will arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, please review the report."
At the same time
Simultaneously; happening together.
Example: "He was writing emails; at the same time, his phone kept ringing."
While
Used to indicate two actions happening together.
Example: "She listened to music while studying."
Simultaneously
Occurring at the same moment.
Example: "The two teams worked simultaneously on different projects."
Meanwhile, back at the ranch
A humorous phrase used to return to another storyline or scene.
Example: "The detectives searched the city. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the suspect hid the evidence."
At the same time as all this
Used to highlight a parallel or ironic contrast between two ongoing events.
Example: "He was dealing with a crisis at work. At the same time as all this, his car broke down."
Elsewhere
In or to another place; often used to shift focus to simultaneous action in a different setting.
Example: "The meeting dragged on. Elsewhere, the interns were wrapping up the presentation."
All the while
Throughout the entire time something else is happening.
Example: "He smiled politely during dinner, all the while thinking about the argument earlier."
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