WHILE Meaning and
Definition
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While is a conjunction that is commonly used to introduce a clause indicating a contrast or opposition between two ideas, actions, or situations. It is used to show a temporal or simultaneous relationship between two actions or events.
In temporal usage, while signifies the idea of something happening during the same period as another action. It suggests that two actions or events occur simultaneously or at the same time. For example, "She baked a cake while he was watching television." This implies that the act of baking and watching television happened concurrently.
Similarly, while can be employed to denote a specific duration of time during which an action took place. For instance, "He slept while it rained outside." This implies that his sleeping continued for the entire duration of the rainfall.
In addition to its temporal usage, while can also express a contrast or opposition. It introduces two contrasting ideas or actions. For example, "She wants to go out, while he prefers to stay in." This illustrates a difference in preferences or choices between two individuals.
While is a versatile conjunction that can convey both temporal relationships and contrasting ideas. Its usage depends on the context in which it is employed, providing clarity and emphasis to the different relationships between actions or events.
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• During the time that; as long as; at the same time that.
• Space of time; continued duration; pains or time, as in "worth while".
• To cause to pass pleasantly; to loiter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHILE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHILE
Etymology of WHILE
The word "while" originated around the 12th century in Middle English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "hwil" or "hwīl", which meant "period of time" or "a short time". This Old English term is believed to be related to the Proto-Germanic word "hwīliz", which had a similar meaning. Additionally, the Proto-Germanic word can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kʷi-", meaning "who" or "what". Over time, "while" has retained its basic sense of representing a period or interval of time.
Idioms with the word WHILE
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strike while the iron is hot
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" means to take advantage of an opportunity or act decisively while conditions are favorable or circumstances are favorable for success. It suggests that one should act promptly and capitalize on a situation before it becomes less advantageous or before enthusiasm and interest wane.
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make hay while the sun shines
The idiom "make hay while the sun shines" means to take advantage of a situation or opportunity while it is available or favorable. It implies the importance of seizing the moment and making the most out of favorable conditions before they change or disappear. Similar to the practice of harvesting when the weather is good for drying and preserving hay, this idiom emphasizes the significance of making the best use of the opportunities presented to us in a timely manner.
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all the while
The idiom "all the while" means continuously or throughout a specific period of time, usually referring to something that is happening or existing concurrently with another action or event.
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fiddle while Rome burns
The idiom "fiddle while Rome burns" is an expression that refers to someone who is being complacent or idle while a crisis or serious problem is occurring. It symbolizes a person's indifference or lack of concern for urgent matters, often derived from the story of the Roman Emperor Nero, who allegedly played the fiddle during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.
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while the going is good
The idiom "while the going is good" means taking advantage of a favorable situation or making the most of an opportunity while it lasts or is still available. It suggests that one should make the most of a beneficial circumstance before it changes or becomes less advantageous.
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while the cat's away, the mice will play
The idiom "while the cat's away, the mice will play" means that when the person in authority or someone who imposes strict rules and discipline is not present, others will take advantage of the situation and behave more freely or irresponsibly.
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After while
The idiom "After while" is an informal phrase that means "after a short period of time" or "soon." It is often used to indicate that something will happen or be done in the near future without specifying an exact time frame.
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quit while one is ahead
The idiom "quit while one is ahead" means to stop or end a particular activity or situation at a point when one has already achieved some success or advantage, rather than continuing and risking potential loss or failure. It suggests the importance of recognizing one's accomplishments or favorable position and not pushing it further for fear of losing what has been gained.
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see you in a little while
The idiom "see you in a little while" is used to say goodbye to someone with the expectation of seeing them again relatively soon. It implies that the separation will not be lengthy, and that the person expects to see the other person again in a short period of time.
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while away
The idiom "while away" means to spend time in a leisurely or unproductive manner, typically to pass the time pleasantly or without any particular goal or purpose. It suggests engaging in an activity to entertain oneself or to enjoy one's free time.
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while a period of time away
The idiom "while a period of time away" refers to occupying or passing the time during a specific duration. It implies engaging in various activities or pursuits to make the duration feel shorter or more enjoyable.
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while away sth
The idiom "while away something" means to spend time in a leisurely or relaxed manner, usually without any specific purpose or aim. It refers to passing time or occupying oneself pleasantly and without boredom.
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while a period of time away (doing sth)
The idiom "while a period of time away (doing sth)" means to spend time doing something enjoyable or engaging, usually away from one's regular routine or responsibilities. It implies that the individual is fully occupied or immersed in that particular activity during the specified time frame.
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While there's life there's hope
The idiom "While there's life there's hope" means that as long as a person is alive, there is a possibility or potential for a positive outcome or change. It reflects the idea that as long as someone is breathing and there is still time, there is always a chance for things to improve or for success to be achieved.
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get while the gettin 's good
The idiom "get while the gettin's good" means to make the most of an opportunity, take advantage of a favorable situation, or seize the moment when conditions are optimal. It implies that one should act quickly or take immediate action to benefit from a temporary advantage before it diminishes or disappears.
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get (out) while the gettin(g)'s good
The idiom "get (out) while the gettin(g)'s good" means to take advantage of a favorable opportunity or situation before it ends or becomes less advantageous. It suggests making a wise and timely decision to leave or act in order to benefit oneself.
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the while
The idiom "the while" refers to a period of time, typically a significant or considerable length, during a particular situation or activity. It can also imply that something happened or occurred throughout that specific duration.
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once in a while
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or from time to time; not frequently.
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after a while
The idiom "after a while" generally means that something will happen or occur after a certain period of time has passed. It implies a delay or a period of waiting before an action, event, or result is expected to take place.
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in a while
The idiom "in a while" typically means after an extended period of time or after some time has passed. It suggests a delay or a significant amount of time before something happens or is repeated.
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a while back
The idiom "a while back" means a significant amount of time in the past, usually in reference to an event or occurrence that happened some time ago.
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quit while one's ahead
The idiom "quit while one's ahead" means to stop doing something at a point when one is in a favorable position or has achieved a particular level of success, in order to avoid potential negative consequences or risks in the future. It implies recognizing that continuing further may lead to a loss or a decline in the current advantageous situation.
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while away the time, etc.
The idiom "while away the time" means to spend time in a leisurely or unproductive manner. It implies engaging in an activity that helps pass the time in a relaxed or enjoyable way, often without any particular purpose or goal.
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get (out) while the gettin(g)’s good
The idiom "get (out) while the gettin(g)’s good" means to take advantage of an opportunity to leave or withdraw from a situation before it becomes difficult or unfavorable. It suggests making a timely exit or seizing the chance to depart to avoid potential problems or complications.
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get out while the goin’s good
The definition for the idiom "get out while the goin’s good" is to leave or take action at the right or advantageous time, especially before a situation worsens or becomes more difficult to handle. It suggests making a timely exit or decision to avoid potential problems or negative consequences.
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get while the goin’s good
The idiom "get while the goin's good" means to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity while it is still available or ongoing. It emphasizes the importance of acting promptly and seizing the chance before it disappears or becomes less advantageous.
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quit while the going is good
The idiom "quit while the going is good" means to stop or give up on something at a favorable or advantageous moment. It implies recognizing or seizing an opportunity to exit or discontinue a situation before it becomes unfavorable or before difficulties or complications arise.
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get out while the gettin’s good
The phrase "get out while the gettin’s good" means to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity before it becomes unfavorable or before it's too late. It suggests the act of leaving or withdrawing at the right time to avoid potential risks or future problems.
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get out while the getting’s good
The idiom "get out while the getting's good" means to take advantage of a favorable opportunity or situation before it diminishes or becomes less advantageous. It suggests the importance of leaving or taking action at the right time in order to maximize benefits and avoid potential risks or negative consequences.
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get while the gettin’s good
The idiom "get while the gettin's good" means to take advantage of a favorable opportunity or situation while it lasts. It implies the importance of seizing a chance or making the most of a beneficial circumstance before it disappears or becomes less advantageous.
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get while the getting’s good
The idiom "get while the getting's good" means to take advantage of an opportunity or situation without delay, especially when it may not be available for long. It suggests acting promptly or seizing the chance when conditions are favorable, knowing that circumstances may change and opportunities may diminish.
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quite a while
The idiom "quite a while" refers to a relatively long period of time. It is often used to express that something took longer than expected or that a duration of time passed before something happened.
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make sth/it worth your while
The idiom "make sth/it worth your while" means to make an effort or sacrifice in order to receive a sufficient benefit or reward in return. It suggests that the person should consider the potential gain or advantage before committing to something.
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(every) once in a while
The idiom "(every) once in a while" means occasionally or at irregular intervals; not often, but not rarely either.
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Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.
The idiom "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" means to make the most of the present moment and seize opportunities while they still exist, as time is fleeting and opportunities may fade away. It emphasizes the importance of embracing life's experiences and pleasures while they are available.
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It was fun while it lasted.
The idiom "It was fun while it lasted" means that an enjoyable or pleasurable experience has come to an end, and one must acknowledge and accept that the enjoyable period is over.
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get out while the getting is good
The idiom "get out while the getting is good" means to leave or take advantage of a beneficial opportunity or situation before it deteriorates or becomes less favorable. It suggests that one should act promptly in order to hold onto the benefits they currently have.
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make it worth while
The idiom "make it worth while" means to ensure that something is valuable, significant, or rewarding enough to justify the effort, time, or resources invested in it. It implies that the outcome or outcome should be sufficiently beneficial or satisfactory in order to justify the undertaking or commitment.
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reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall
The idiom "reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall" implies that being flexible and adaptable in life allows one to overcome challenges and endure, while those who remain rigid and inflexible are more likely to fail or be defeated.
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be worth your while
The idiom "be worth your while" means that something is beneficial, valuable, or advantageous enough to justify the time, effort, or resources expended on it. It implies that engaging in the activity or pursuing the situation will result in a worthwhile outcome or reward.
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worth someone's while
The idiom "worth someone's while" means that something is valuable or beneficial enough to justify the time, effort, or cost required. It suggests that doing or engaging in a particular activity or task will bring sufficient benefits, rewards, or advantages for the individual involved.
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be worth while
The idiom "be worth while" means that something is valuable, meaningful, or important enough to make the effort, time, or resources spent on it worthwhile or rewarding. It suggests that the benefits or outcomes of an action or task outweigh the challenges or sacrifices involved.
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worth while
The idiom "worthwhile" means something that is valuable, beneficial, or worth doing or experiencing. It suggests that the benefits or rewards of an action or experience outweigh the effort, time, or resources invested in it.
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not worth while
The idiom "not worth while" typically means that something is not deserving of the effort, time, or investment. It implies that the potential benefits or rewards of engaging in a particular activity or pursuing a certain course of action are too small or insignificant to justify the energy or resources required.
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after (a) while, crocodile
This idiom is used as a playful way to say goodbye. It is a response to the phrase "See you later, alligator" and is typically used by children or in informal settings.
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After while, crocodile
"After while, crocodile" is a playful way of saying goodbye or see you later. It is often used in a casual and lighthearted manner to bid farewell to someone.
Similar spelling words for WHILE
Conjugate verb While
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have whiled
you
would have whiled
he/she/it
would have whiled
we
would have whiled
they
would have whiled
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been whiling
you
would have been whiling
he/she/it
would have been whiling
we
would have been whiling
they
would have been whiling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would while
you
would while
he/she/it
would while
we
would while
they
would while
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be whiling
you
would be whiling
he/she/it
would be whiling
we
would be whiling
they
would be whiling
FUTURE
I
will while
you
will while
he/she/it
will while
we
will while
they
will while
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be whiling
you
will be whiling
he/she/it
will be whiling
we
will be whiling
they
will be whiling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whiled
you
will have whiled
he/she/it
will have whiled
we
will have whiled
they
will have whiled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been whiling
you
will have been whiling
he/she/it
will have been whiling
we
will have been whiling
they
will have been whiling
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s while
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was whiling
you
were whiling
he/she/it
was whiling
we
were whiling
they
were whiling
PAST PARTICIPLE
whiled
PAST PERFECT
I
had whiled
you
had whiled
he/she/it
had whiled
we
had whiled
they
had whiled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been whiling
you
had been whiling
he/she/it
had been whiling
we
had been whiling
they
had been whiling
PRESENT
I
while
you
while
he/she/it
whiles
we
while
they
while
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am whiling
you
are whiling
he/she/it
is whiling
we
are whiling
they
are whiling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
whiling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whiled
you
have whiled
he/she/it
has whiled
we
have whiled
they
have whiled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been whiling
you
have been whiling
he/she/it
has been whiling
we
have been whiling
they
have been whiling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
while
SIMPLE PAST
I
whiled
you
whiled
he/she/it
whiled
we
whiled
they
whiled
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