meantime

Everyday

1. The time between two events: «in the meantime» means while you wait for something else to happen. tree →
2. (adverb) Meanwhile; at the same time. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «in the meantime» moves to what was happening elsewhere or while waiting. In everyday life it tells someone what to do while they wait. Phrases: «in the meantime», «for the meantime» (for now).

Examples

• Dinner will be ready in an hour; in the meantime, do your homework. tree →
• The doctor is coming. In the meantime, keep the ice on your knee. tree →
• Meantime, Ratty was rowing up the river. tree →
• The new library opens in May; for the meantime, use the mobile library. tree →
• In the meantime, the snow kept falling. tree →
• We waited for the bus and in the meantime ate our sandwiches. tree →
• In the meantime, what of the boys? tree →

Note

Most often in «in the meantime». Means the same as «meanwhile». Written as one word. In time problems it is the gap between two events.