Definition

1. Adverb:

   • During the intervening time: Indicates that something is happening or should be considered during the period between two events or while something else is occurring.
   • At the same time but in another place: Used to shift the focus of a narrative to events happening concurrently in a different location.

2. Noun:

   • The intervening time: Refers to the period of time between one event, process, or period and another.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • I'll start dinner. Meanwhile, could you set the table? (Indicates an action to be done during the intervening time.)
  • The main character was trapped. Meanwhile, her friends were searching for her. (Shifts narrative focus to a simultaneous event elsewhere.)

• Noun:

  • In the meanwhile, we should prepare for the next meeting. (Refers to the intervening period.)

Advanced Usage

• "for the meanwhile": for the time being; temporarily.
  • This solution will work for the meanwhile.
• "in the meanwhile": during the intervening time. This phrase is synonymous with the adverbial use.
  • The report is being finalized. In the meanwhile, please review the draft.

Variants and Related Words

• Meantime: Can be used interchangeably as both a noun ("in the meantime") and an adverb, with identical meanings to "meanwhile."
• Interim (noun/adjective): Pertaining to or occurring in an intervening time. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• In the interim: During the intervening time.
• In the meantime: During the intervening time.
• Simultaneously: At the same time (for the adverbial sense of concurrent action elsewhere).

Related Phrases

• Meanwhile, back at the ranch...: A colloquial phrase used humorously to shift a story to events happening elsewhere, often in a simpler or more mundane setting. It originates from serialized stories and films.
  • The negotiators were in tense discussions. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the interns were ordering pizza.

Notes on Usage

• As an adverb, "meanwhile" is often used at the beginning of a sentence to transition between ideas or narrative threads.
• The noun form is less common in everyday speech than the adverbial form and is often seen in the phrase "in the meanwhile," which is functionally identical to using "meanwhile" as an adverb.

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
2. at the same time but in another place
   • meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Noun

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