Meanwhile (Adverb)
Meaning 1
At the same time but in another place; "meanwhile, back at the ranch...".
Examples
- The tourists were exploring the city, meanwhile the locals were going about their daily routines in the outskirts of town.
- The astronauts were conducting experiments on the space station, meanwhile back on Earth their colleagues were analyzing the data they had collected.
- The conference attendees were listening to lectures, meanwhile the exhibition hall was bustling with activity as people networked and showcased their products.
- The emergency responders were dealing with the accident on the highway, meanwhile the police were controlling the traffic flow to minimize congestion.
- The scientists were working on a breakthrough in their laboratory, meanwhile their partners were negotiating funding to support their research.
Meaning 2
During the intervening time; "meanwhile I will not think about the problem"; "meantime he was attentive to his other interests"; "in the meantime the police were notified".
Examples
- The team was working on the project proposal, meanwhile the manager was meeting with the client to discuss the budget.
- In the meantime the babysitter was enjoying a quiet afternoon with the children.
- The researchers spent hours studying the results, meanwhile the lab technicians were analyzing the samples.
- I told my friend I would meet her at the movies, meanwhile I had to finish getting ready.
- The teacher continued to explain the lesson, meanwhile the students were taking notes quietly.