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while

while

 
pronunciation:
waIl [or] hwaIl
parts of speech:
noun, conjunction, transitive verb
phrases:
once in a while
features:
Word Combinations (noun)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a period of time.
Please stay and talk for a while; I've made some coffee.We skated for a while, but then we had to take a rest.
similar words:
spell, stretch, time
definition 2: the effort or time given to something.
If you want to improve quickly, it's worth your while to practice your instrument everyday.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: conjunction
definition 1: during the time that; as long as.
I will not speak to you while you are angry.
definition 2: although.
While he can't cook, he sews very well.
definition 3: and in contrast; whereas.
He loves dogs, while she favors cats.
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: whiles, whiling, whiled
definition: to cause (time) to pass in a carefree and relaxing manner (usu. fol. by "away").
We whiled away the days of summer when we were children.
similar words:
idle, loaf
phrase: once in a while