while

while · conjunction

imported

Definitions

conjunction

  1. 1.

    During the time that; at the same time as.

  2. 2.

    Whereas; although (introducing a contrast).

  3. 3.

    A period of time.

  4. 4.

    To pass time in a leisurely way.

Related words

See also: although, during, when, whereas
Synonyms: although, during, whereas

Etymology

From Old English "hwil" meaning "a space of time," from Proto-Germanic "hwilo," from Proto-Indo-European "kweih-" meaning "to rest." The conjunction use developed from phrases like "the while that."