meantime
meantime — adverb
1. in the time between two events — used at the start of a sentence to connect it t
in the time between two events — used at the start of a sentence to connect it to an earlier statement, showing that something continues or happens while you wait.
The bus arrives in twenty minutes. Meantime, Yuki waited under the shelter.
sentence adverb connecting clauses
The manager was stuck in a meeting. Meantime, the delivery driver kept ringing the bell.
contrasting situations
Inês is learning to drive. Meantime, she practises on Sundays with her brother.
Felix was running thirty minutes late. Meantime, the team started the meeting without him.
Roya sent her application two weeks ago. Meantime, she checked her email daily for news.
- meanwhile
identical in meaning and use; more common in British English
- in the meantime
the equivalent phrase; can replace 'meantime' at the start of a sentence
文法句型
meantime + clause
用法筆記
This sense is interchangeable with 'meanwhile'. It always appears at the start of a sentence or clause and cannot be used after a preposition — that use belongs to the noun sense (in the meantime).
常見錯誤
meantime — noun
1. the period between two events; almost always used in the fixed phrase 'in the me
the period between two events; almost always used in the fixed phrase 'in the meantime', meaning 'while waiting' or 'during this gap'.
The plumber comes tomorrow. In the meantime, Ilan used a bucket for the drip.
fixed phrase: in the meantime
Scholarship results come in March. In the meantime, Christopher is saving money from his job.
action while waiting
Soup simmers ten more minutes. In the meantime, Nala set the table and poured drinks.
Our flat won't be ready till July. In the meantime, we are staying with Karim.
The repair shop said the bike would be ready by Friday. In the meantime, Xiu borrowed her neighbour's bicycle.
文法句型
in the meantime
用法筆記
Unlike the adverb sense, 'meantime' here must follow 'in the'. The phrase 'in the meantime' can also be shortened to 'meantime' as a sentence adverb, but the full phrase is more common. Do not write 'in meantime' (missing 'the') or 'in the mean time' (two words) — the standard spelling is 'meantime' as one word.