meantime
/ˈmiːntaɪm/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈintˌaɪm] /ˈmiːntaɪm/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈintˌaɪm] /ˈmēn-ˌtīm/ (ame, mw)
meantime — noun
1. the interval after one event and before the next expected one.
the interval after one event and before the next expected one.
The plumber can come on Friday; in the meantime, use the upstairs sink.
in the meantime + instruction during a wait
Classes start next month, and in the meantime Farah is working at her aunt's cafe.
A storm delayed the ferry, so passengers played cards in the meantime.
The twins need new glasses; in the meantime, they share one old pair.
文法句型
in the meantime, + clause
for the meantime
用法筆記
Most often appears in the fixed phrase 'in the meantime'. Distinguish it from adverb sense 1, which links clauses more formally without the article.
常見錯誤
meantime — adverb
1. during that same waiting period or interval.
during that same waiting period or interval.
The lab is testing the water; meantime, residents should boil it.
sentence adverb without the article
Meantime, Gabriela kept the children busy with paper boats.
Repairs continue on the bridge; meantime, buses stop at the market square.
The chef prepares the sauce; meantime, diners watch the boats by the pier.
文法句型
meantime, + clause
; meantime, + clause
用法筆記
This use is more formal and less common than 'meanwhile'. It usually links two clauses or sentences and often appears without 'the', unlike noun sense 1 in 'in the meantime'.