What does whilst mean?
Whilst means (archaic or obsolete except dialectal) Often preceded by the: During the time; meanwhile..
Whilst
/waɪlst/ · adverb
Meaning
(archaic or obsolete except dialectal) Often preceded by the: During the time; meanwhile..
Definitions by Sense
- (archaic or obsolete except dialectal) Often preceded by the: During the time; meanwhile.
- (UK, Ireland, Commonwealth, literary or somewhat rare in North America) Synonym of while.
Example Sentences
Nay, I prethee put on this gown, & this beard, make him beleeue thou art ſir Topas the Curate, doe it quickly. Ile call ſir Toby the whilſt.
Hero. Leave, leave, tis novv too late. She is dead, her laſt is breathed. / Cleo[phila]. VVhat ſhall vvee doe. / Her[o]. Goe run, / And tell the Duke; and vvhilſt ile cloſe her eyes.
What money have I bought with me? […] even but a small sum; something in hand the whilst.
Synonyms for whilst
Antonyms for whilst
Related Words
Word Forms
- whilest
- whylst
- whylest
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for whilst?
The closest synonym depends on the sentence and intended sense.
What is the opposite of whilst?
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
How do you use whilst in a sentence?
Nay, I prethee put on this gown, & this beard, make him beleeue thou art ſir Topas the Curate, doe it quickly. Ile call ſir Toby the whilſt.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.