Word
awhile
US/əˈwaɪɫ/
UK/ɐwˈaɪl/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01for a short time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. for a short time.
adv. for a short, indefinite period of time.
“We sat on the park bench and rested awhile before continuing our walk.”
“After the presentation concluded, the delegates lingered awhile in the lobby to discuss the implications of the new policy.”
Usage
Functions as an adverb; it should not follow a preposition like 'for' or 'in'.
Pitfall
I am going to stay for awhile.
I am going to stay awhile.
The word 'awhile' is an adverb that already includes the meaning of 'for'. If you use the preposition 'for', you must use the two-word noun phrase 'a while'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02in the meantime
C1 · Advanced American English · Dialect
adv. during an ongoing process or while waiting for something else to happen.
adv. occurring during an implicit or explicit ongoing process; used to indicate an interim action.
“The main course is still cooking, so have some snacks awhile.”
“The technician is rebooting the server; you might as well check your physical mail awhile.”
Teaching tip
This specific usage is largely restricted to certain American regional dialects (such as in Pennsylvania) and may sound non-standard to other English speakers.
Etymology
From Old English ane (“(for) a”) hwile (“while”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
CONJUNCTION
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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