Definition of whilst

The word "whilst" has its origin in Old English, from the phrase "hwilston" which combined "hwil" (Middle English: til or while) and "stond" (Middle English: stand). In Modern English, "whilst" is a subordinating conjunction used to indicate a concurrence or coincidence between two events or actions. During the Middle English period, around the 11th to 15th centuries, "whilst" was used more frequently than "while" to indicate a simultaneous occurrence. Over time, the use of "whilst" declined, and "while" became the more commonly used alternative. However, in British English, particularly in literary and formal contexts, "whilst" is still widely used and is commonly found in phrases such as "whilst I was waiting" or "whilst she was shopping". Despite its declining popularity, "whilst" remains a useful word for adding variety to one's writing and speech, and is still taught in English language courses around the world.