meantime

/ˈmiːntaɪm/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈintˌaɪm] /ˈmiːntaɪm/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈintˌaɪm] /ˈmēn-ˌtīm/ (ame, mw)

meantime — 名詞

1. the interval after one event and before the next expected one.

1.名詞B2
釋義

期間

兩件事之間的那段時間

the interval after one event and before the next expected one.

例句

The plumber can come on Friday; in the meantime, use the upstairs sink.

水電工要到星期五才來。在這段期間，先用樓上的水槽。

in the meantime + instruction during a wait

Classes start next month, and in the meantime Farah is working at her aunt's cafe.

課程下個月才開始，而在這段期間 Farah 在阿姨的咖啡館工作。

同義詞
  • interim

    more formal and often used for temporary arrangements or official periods

  • interval

    focuses on the measured space between two points in time

  • gap

    more everyday and often suggests something missing or interrupted

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

❌At the meantime, use the spare key.
✅In the meantime, use the spare key.
💡the usual fixed phrase is 'in the meantime,' not 'at the meantime.'

meantime — 副詞