How Do You Spell WHILST?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪlst] (IPA)

Whilst is a commonly used conjunction in British English. It means the same as while and is pronounced as /waɪlst/. The word has two syllables, with the first syllable pronounced as /waɪl/ and the second syllable pronounced as /st/. It is often used in formal writing or speaking and is considered more formal than while. The spelling while is more commonly used in American English.

WHILST Meaning and Definition

  1. Whilst is a conjunction that is mainly used in British English as an alternative to the word "while." It is used to indicate a contrast or comparison between two actions or states that occur simultaneously.

    Whilst typically joins two clauses or phrases together, indicating that one action or state occurs during the same period as another, often with a slight emphasis on the contrast between them. For example, "Whilst James was studying for his exams, his friends were out enjoying themselves."

    Whilst can also be used to introduce a concession or qualification that may affect the preceding statement. In this context, whilst can be used to introduce a contradictory phrase or idea that slightly modifies or weakens the initial statement. For instance, "She enjoyed her new job, whilst admitting that it was also challenging."

    Additionally, whilst can be used to introduce a comparison, suggesting a similarity between two actions or states. In this context, whilst is often used to highlight a significant difference or contrast between the two. For example, "Whilst both cities are known for their cultural heritage, London is much larger and more diverse than Edinburgh."

    Overall, whilst serves as a versatile conjunction that adds nuance and emphasis to the relationship between two actions or states, often emphasizing a contrast, qualification, or comparison between them.

  2. Same as WHILE.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WHILST *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WHILST

Etymology of WHILST

The word "whilst" is a conjunction that is primarily used in British English and means "during the time that" or "while". Its etymology traces back to the Old English word "hwilc", meaning "which" or "what", and the suffix "-s", which indicated possession or formation of a specific word. Over time, "hwilc" and "-s" combined to form "hwilcs", which eventually evolved into "whilst". The word has been in use since the 14th century and has retained its original meaning throughout its history.

Idioms with the word WHILST

  • strike whilst the iron is hot "Strike whilst the iron is hot" is an idiomatic expression that means to take advantage of an opportunity or act promptly and decisively while the conditions or circumstances are favorable. It suggests seizing the moment or making the most of a situation before it loses its advantage or effectiveness. The phrase is derived from blacksmithing, as the iron is most malleable and easily shaped when it is hot.

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