adverb
meanwhile
At the same time or during the intervening period.
The soup simmers on the stove; meanwhile, I chop vegetables.
Etymology
Mean here means intermediate, and while means a period of time. The compound locates an event in the interval between other events or during a simultaneous period.
More examples
- Your room will be ready soon; meanwhile, please have a seat.
- I watered the garden; meanwhile, my sister washed the car.
- The team is still negotiating, but meanwhile, work continues.
Similar words
- simultaneously
- Emphasizes events happening at exactly the same time.
- concurrently
- More formal; describes activities occurring over overlapping periods.