while definition - Dictionaries

Dictionary

while [ wīl ]

conj

Definition:

1. at or during same time: at or during the same time that

We can talk while I fix supper.

2. even though: in spite of the fact that

While I admire your tenacity, I cannot support your aims.

3. but in contrast: but on the contrary

An older car would be cheaper to buy while a newer one might be more reliable.

4. Scotland
Same as until

noun

Definition:

period of time: a period of time or an interval

It's been a while since I saw her.

[ Old English hwīl 'period of time' < Indo-European, 'rest, period of rest']

once in a while very occasionally

worth somebody's while

1. deserving somebody's time, money, or support

2. rewarding in terms of money or advantage

Spelling Note


	while or wile? Do not confuse the spelling of while and wile, which sound similar. While indicates a time or an additional consideration: took it while I was not looking, While I applaud the motive, the result might be disastrous.Wile, or more often the plural wiles, refers to cunning behaviour.

Word Usage


	while or whilst? In all the main meanings while and whilst are interchangeable, but whilst is used more in the north of Great Britain than in the south. Some people dislike the use of while to mean 'even though', as in While we agree with some of what you say, we do not accept your conclusions.