meanwhile

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   During the same time that something else is happening.

   Grammar: Often starts a sentence and is followed by a comma: Meanwhile, the kids played.

   I cooked dinner. Meanwhile, my brother set the table.

   The guests arrived; meanwhile, the band was still tuning up.

   Meanwhile, the storm was moving closer to the coast.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   In the time between two events, or until something happens.

   Grammar: Often 'in the meantime' is the same idea.

   The doctor will see you soon; meanwhile, please fill in this form.

   Dinner will be ready at seven. Meanwhile, have a drink.

   The repairs take a week, and meanwhile we're using the old machine.

3. 3adverbnot comparable

   Used to introduce a contrast with something just mentioned.

   Grammar: Introduces a contrasting situation: Meanwhile, prices keep rising.

   Some teams celebrated. Meanwhile, others went home in tears.

   Wages have stayed flat; meanwhile, rent has doubled.

   In the north it was sunny, while meanwhile the south had floods.

Common combinations

meanwhile, back at

Meanwhile, back at the office, the phones kept ringing.

and meanwhile

Wait here, and meanwhile I'll call a taxi.

meanwhile in

Meanwhile in Paris, the festival opened.

meanwhile elsewhere

Meanwhile elsewhere, the news spread fast.

Synonyms and how they differ

in the meantime

In the meantime is more common for waiting until something happens, while meanwhile fits both waiting and parallel action.

simultaneously

Simultaneously stresses exactly the same moment and sounds more formal.

at the same time

At the same time is a neutral phrase and can also mean 'however'.

in the interim

In the interim is formal and refers to a gap between events.

Word family

meantime noun

the period between two events

while conjunction

during the time that

Commonly confused: meanwhile or meantime?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “meanwhile”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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