meanwhile

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   During the time between two events; in the time being.

   Dinner will be ready soon; meanwhile, please sit down.

2. 2
   adv

   At the same time, often in a different place or situation.

   There was a party downstairs. Meanwhile, I was reading a book.

3. 3
   adv

   Used to compare or contrast with something already mentioned.

   Some songs on the album are beautiful. Meanwhile, others are forgettable.

From Middle English menewhile, equivalent to mean (“intermediate”) + while. Adverb is by ellipsis from in the mean while, noun being conventionally written as one word after the adjective.

Topics