Definition of while

whilenoun

trong lúc, trong khi, lúc, chốc, lát

/wʌɪl/

Definition of undefined

The word "while" has its origins in Old English. In Old English, the word was "hweol", which was the conjunction meaning "as long as" or "during the time that". This word evolved into Middle English as "while" and has remained largely unchanged to this day. In Middle English, "while" was used as a conjunction to indicate a condition or circumstance, similar to its modern usage. For example, "I shall eat while I am hungry" meant "I shall eat as long as I am hungry". Over time, the English language evolved, and "while" took on additional meanings, including being used as a noun to describe a specific period of time. Despite this evolution, the core meaning of "while" as a conjunction indicating a condition or circumstance has remained consistent throughout its history.

namespace

during the time that something is happening; at the same time as something else is happening

trong thời gian có điều gì đó đang xảy ra; cùng lúc với một cái gì đó khác đang xảy ra

Example:
  • We must have been burgled while we were asleep.

    Chắc hẳn chúng tôi đã bị trộm khi đang ngủ.

  • Her parents died while she was still at school.

    Cha mẹ cô qua đời khi cô vẫn còn đi học.

  • While I was waiting at the bus stop, three buses went by in the opposite direction.

    Trong khi tôi đang đợi ở bến xe buýt thì có ba chiếc xe buýt đi ngược chiều.

  • You can go swimming while I'm having lunch.

    Bạn có thể đi bơi trong khi tôi đang ăn trưa.

  • shoes mended while you wait

    giày được sửa trong khi bạn chờ đợi

Related words and phrases

used to contrast two things

dùng để đối chiếu hai thứ

Example:
  • While Tom's very good at science, his brother is absolutely hopeless.

    Trong khi Tom rất giỏi khoa học thì anh trai anh ấy lại hoàn toàn vô vọng.

  • Some people work better to music while others do not.

    Một số người làm việc tốt hơn với âm nhạc trong khi những người khác thì không.

although; despite the fact that…

mặc dù; mặc dù thực tế là…

Example:
  • While I am willing to help, I do not have much time available.

    Mặc dù tôi sẵn lòng giúp đỡ nhưng tôi không có nhiều thời gian.

Related words and phrases

Idioms

while you’re/I’m etc. at it
used to suggest that somebody could do something while they are doing something else
  • ‘I'm just going to buy some postcards.’ ‘Can you get me some stamps while you're at it?’