How Do You Spell WHILE AWAY?

Pronunciation: [wˌa͡ɪl ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The expression "while away" means to spend time in a leisurely or unproductive way. The spelling of this phrase is composed of two simple words: "while" (pronounced /waɪl/) and "away" (/əˈweɪ/). The first word refers to a period of time, while the second denotes a sense of removal or absence. Together, they create the impression of passing time aimlessly or without purpose. "While away" is a commonly used phrase that is easy to remember and use in everyday conversation.

WHILE AWAY Meaning and Definition

  1. While away is a phrasal verb that refers to spending or passing time in a relaxed, leisurely manner, especially when engaged in enjoyable or unproductive activities. It suggests a sense of idleness or leisure, typically without a specific purpose or goal in mind. The term can encompass various activities undertaken to occupy oneself or keep occupied without any specific obligation or urgency.

    While away often involves engaging in activities solely for the purpose of enjoyment, entertainment, or diversion. Examples of such activities could include lounging on a beach, reading a book, watching television, or engaging in hobbies or recreational pursuits. The essence of while away lies in the absence of any sense of purpose or urgency, as it encourages individuals to engage in activities that provide pleasure and relaxation, rather than focusing on productive or goal-oriented tasks.

    The phrase "while away" suggests the notion of time passing effortlessly, as individuals indulge in activities that help them escape from the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life. It is often associated with unstructured leisure time, when people have the luxury to not worry about time constraints or obligations.

    Overall, while away encapsulates the idea of spending time in an enjoyable and unproductive manner, allowing individuals to momentarily escape from the demands of life and simply relax and have fun.

Common Misspellings for WHILE AWAY

Etymology of WHILE AWAY

The phrase "while away" has its roots in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word "hwîl" which means "a period of time" or "a while". This word is related to the modern English word "while", which denotes a length of time. The verb "away" in this phrase means "to spend" or "to pass", and it can be linked to the Old English word "geweg" which means "away" or "off". Thus, when combined, "while away" came to mean "to spend or pass time in a pleasurable or unproductive manner".

Idioms with the word WHILE AWAY

  • while away sth The idiom "while away something" means to pass the time in a relaxed or enjoyable manner, typically without any specific purpose or task in mind. It suggests spending time in a leisurely or pleasantly unproductive way.
  • while away the time, etc. The idiom "while away the time" means to spend time in a leisurely or relaxed manner, typically by engaging in unproductive or enjoyable activities. It refers to the act of passing time without feeling rushed or bored.
  • while away To spend time in a relaxed or enjoyable way, usually doing something that is not productive or essential.

Similar spelling word for WHILE AWAY

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