In the meantime
Example: I will start cooking; in the meantime, you can set the table.
Definition
"In the meantime" is a phrase used to indicate the period of time between two events, suggesting that something else can happen or be done during this interval. For example, in 'I will start cooking; in the meantime, you can set the table,' it highlights simultaneous activities within that time gap.
Translations
-
mientras tanto -
ondertussen -
mentrestant -
entre-temps -
in der Zwischenzeit
Etymology
The phrase "in the meantime" originates from the combination of 'in,' meaning during, and 'meantime,' which dates back to Middle English, referring to the intervening period between events. Did you know? It has been used since the 14th century to describe the time between two occurrences or actions.
Learn to use this expression actively
"In the meantime" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (A2) - set 1", containing 104 commonly used expressions.
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