meantime

/'mi:n'taim/ Cách viết khác : (meanwhite) /'mi:n'wail/

Thân thiện

In the meantime, the baker prepared the dough for the next batch of bread.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The intervening time; the period between one event, process, or period and another. It refers to the time that passes while waiting for something else to happen or begin.

2. Adverb:

   • During the intervening time; meanwhile. It describes something happening in the period between two events or actions.

Usage and Examples

• As a Noun (most commonly used in the phrase "in the meantime"):

  • The new software arrives next week. In the meantime, we'll continue using the old system.
  • She finished her degree and is looking for a job. In the meantime, she's volunteering at a local charity.

• As an Adverb (often used as "meantime" or "meanwhile"):

  • The main course will take 20 minutes to prepare. Meantime, please enjoy some bread and olives.
  • He was focused on his career. Meantime, his personal relationships suffered.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "In the meantime" vs. "Meanwhile": Both can function as adverbs with very similar meanings. "In the meantime" is slightly more formal and is also the standard form when used as a noun phrase. "Meanwhile" is more common in everyday adverbial use.
  • The repairs will start tomorrow. Meanwhile/In the meantime, please use the side entrance.
• The word is often used to describe parallel or contrasting activities occurring during a waiting period.

Variants and Related Words

• Meanwhile (adverb/noun): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "meantime."
  • She went to the store. Meanwhile, I started dinner.
• Interim (noun/adjective): Can be used similarly to mean a temporary or intervening period.
  • An interim report was issued while the full investigation continued.

Synonyms

• Intervening period (noun)
• Interim (noun)
• Meanwhile (adverb)

Common Phrases

• In the meantime: This is the most frequent and idiomatic phrase using this word. It means "during the time before something happens or while something else is happening."
  • Your application is being processed. In the meantime, you can explore our online resources.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. during the intervening time
   • meanwhile I will not think about the problem
   • meantime he was attentive to his other interests
   • in the meantime the police were notified

Noun

1. the time between one event, process, or period and another
   • meanwhile the socialists are running the government

Từ đồng nghĩa

• meanwhile
• in the meantime
• interim
• lag