説明中心

while

[waɪl]

while Definition

a period of time, especially a short one.

Using while: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "while" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I'll be back in a while.

  • Example

    We talked for a while before leaving.

  • Example

    He waited for a while but nobody came.

  • Example

    It's been a while since we last saw each other.

while Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using while

  • during the entire time

    Example

    He knew all the while that he was making a mistake.

  • occasionally, not very often

    Example

    I like to have ice cream once in a while.

  • the whole time

    Example

    She was smiling the while she spoke.

Phrases with while

  • after a period of time has passed

    Example

    I'll call you back in a while.

  • for a period of time

    Example

    I lived in Paris for a while.

  • sufficiently valuable or important to be worth one's time, effort, or interest

    Example

    The trip was definitely worthwhile.

Origins of while

from Old English 'hwīl'

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Summary: while in Brief

'While' [waɪl] refers to a period of time, often brief, as in 'I'll be back in a while.' It can also denote a longer duration, as in 'It's been a while since we last saw each other.' The phrase 'in a while' means after a period of time has passed, while 'for a while' means for a period of time. 'Worthwhile' means sufficiently valuable or important to be worth one's time, effort, or interest.

How do native speakers use this expression?