Understanding “Meanwhile”: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
meanwhile – Definition and Part of Speech
“Meanwhile” is primarily used as an adverb or conjunction in English. It connects two separate actions or events that are happening simultaneously or during different parts of the same time period. As an adverb, it often indicates what is occurring at the same time in another place or situation. When functioning as a conjunction, it links clauses to show simultaneous activities.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the meantime | Indicates actions occurring between two other points in time. | “In the meantime, he completed his homework.” | Formal/Informal |
| Concurrently | Emphasizes simultaneous occurrence with a slightly formal tone. | “Concurrently, another meeting was held online.” | Academic/Business |
| At that juncture | Points to a specific moment during an ongoing event or time frame. | “At that juncture, she realized the solution.” | Formal |
| During this period | Highlights actions within a defined time span. | “During this period, he was focusing on his project.” | Business/Neutral |
Usage Notes
-
In the meantime: Often used in both formal and informal contexts to fill gaps between two main events or points in time. It’s versatile for business communications or casual conversation when you need to convey actions occurring within an interim period.
Example: In a business report: “We are still finalizing the details, so in the meantime, please review the draft document.”
-
Concurrently: Best suited for academic papers or formal reports where simultaneous actions require clear and precise language. Its formality makes it ideal when precision is paramount.
Example: Academic writing: “While conducting interviews, she concurrently analyzed initial survey responses.”
-
At that juncture: Used in more formal or literary contexts to emphasize a critical moment within an ongoing narrative or argument. It’s particularly effective in storytelling or detailed analyses.
Example: In creative writing: “As the storm reached its peak intensity, at that juncture, she made her decision.”
-
During this period: Useful in both business and neutral settings for describing activities within a specific timeframe. This synonym is practical when detailing project timelines or events over an extended duration.
Example: Business context: “During this period of transition, our team focused on restructuring strategies.”
Common Pitfalls
When using synonyms for “meanwhile,” be aware that:
-
Concurrently and Meanwhile: While both indicate simultaneous actions, “concurrently” is often used in more technical or academic settings, whereas “meanwhile” is more general.
-
In the meantime vs. During this period: Both suggest a temporary timeframe, but “in the meantime” typically implies waiting for another main event, while “during this period” describes ongoing activities within that timeframe without necessarily pointing to an end.
Final Recap
Understanding synonyms for “meanwhile,” such as “in the meantime,” “concurrently,” “at that juncture,” and “during this period,” allows you to choose the best fit depending on your context. Each synonym offers subtle nuances, from formality level to specific usage scenarios, which can enhance clarity in your communication.
To master their application, practice integrating these synonyms into sentences relevant to different settings—be it business reports, academic essays, or casual conversations. This exercise will help solidify the contextual differences and improve your overall writing versatility.