Meantime Definition and Meaning
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 5, 2024
Meantime means the intervening time or the period between two events. e.g., In the meantime, she read a book while waiting for the cake to bake.
Table of Contents
Meantime Definitions
Meantime represents a phase of preparation or anticipation for an upcoming event.
The contract is being finalized; in the meantime, let's outline our project plan.
Meantime refers to the time period between two occurrences.
He'll arrive in an hour; in the meantime, let's prepare the room.
Meantime signifies the duration existing or happening while something else is occurring.
The repairs will take a week; in the meantime, we'll use the old equipment.
Meantime is the span wherein alternative or additional activities occur.
We're out of coffee; in the meantime, would tea be okay?
Meantime is the time before the completion or occurrence of something expected.
Our new teacher starts next week; in the meantime, we'll have substitute teachers.
Meantime indicates a period for temporary adjustments or arrangements.
The new policy isn't effective until July; in the meantime, the old rules apply.
Meantime is used to describe a temporary phase before a future event.
The new software launches next month; in the meantime, continue with the current version.
Meantime can express the time available for interim measures or solutions.
The main road is closed; in the meantime, we'll need to take a detour.
Meantime can denote the period used effectively while waiting for something.
In the meantime, I'll start on the annual report.
Meantime implies the interval during which actions or changes can take place.
Classes resume in September; in the meantime, the school will undergo renovations.
The time between one occurrence and another; an interval.
During a period of intervening time; meanwhile.
The time spent waiting for another event; time in between.
I'll get started tomorrow but, in the meantime, let's see if we can get a few more opinions.
During the interval; meanwhile
The intervening time; as, in the meantime (or mean time).
In the intervening time; during the interval.
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
Meantime Snonyms
Interim
The intervening time.
In the interim, the company will be managed by a committee.
Meanwhile
At the same time.
She's studying for the exam; meanwhile, her brother is playing video games.
Interval
A pause between periods of activity.
There was a 15-minute interval during the concert.
Duration
The time during which something continues.
For the duration of the film, the audience was completely silent.
Lapse
A temporary interval of time.
After a short lapse, the discussion resumed.
Pause
A temporary stop or rest.
Let's take a pause and resume work in an hour.
Break
A pause in work or during an activity or event.
We'll take a short break and then continue the workshop.
Interlude
A period of time between events.
There was a brief interlude between the two meetings.
Hiatus
A break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
The TV show took a hiatus before the start of the new season.
Gap
An interval or break between two objects, events, or points in time.
There's a two-year gap in his employment history.
Meantime Idioms & Phrases
Make the most of the meantime
To use the intervening time wisely or productively.
Let's make the most of the meantime by brainstorming our project ideas.
Meantime activities
Tasks or engagements undertaken during an interim period.
The teacher assigned meantime activities while the school transitioned to online learning.
In the meantime
During the interval before something else happens.
In the meantime, let's prepare the documents needed for the meeting.
Fill the meantime
To occupy oneself during a waiting period.
She filled the meantime by learning to knit.
Meantime solution
A provisional resolution to a problem until a more permanent one is found.
Using the mobile hotspot is a meantime solution until the internet is fixed.
Meantime precautions
Precautionary measures taken during an interim period.
The school has put meantime precautions in place until the health guidelines are updated.
Meantime measures
Temporary actions taken until a permanent solution is found.
The company will implement meantime measures to deal with the outage.
Meantime plan
A plan in place during the transition or waiting period.
Our meantime plan includes using the temporary office space downtown.
Bridge the meantime
To connect two periods with interim actions or solutions.
The workshop is designed to bridge the meantime until the new curriculum is approved.
Utilize the meantime
To make effective use of the intervening time.
We should utilize the meantime to conduct market research.
Meantime adjustments
Modifications or changes made during a transitional phase.
The team made meantime adjustments to the project based on preliminary feedback.
Meantime period
The duration between two specific points in time.
The meantime period will be used to train the staff on new software.
During the meantime
In the interval that exists until the next event.
During the meantime, let's ensure all our data is backed up.
In the meantime, however,
A phrase introducing a contrasting or additional action during the wait.
The final results will be announced tomorrow; in the meantime, however, we can start drafting the report.
Spend the meantime
To pass the time between two events or actions.
I'll spend the meantime reviewing the contract details.
Maximize the meantime
To take full advantage of the time available before something happens.
We'll maximize the meantime by updating our portfolios.
Navigate the meantime
To manage or deal with the period between events effectively.
The seminar teaches how to navigate the meantime during career transitions.
Meantime strategy
A temporary approach or method employed until a certain goal is achieved.
Our meantime strategy involves using social media for outreach until the website is relaunched.
Meantime arrangement
A temporary setup until a final decision or action.
We'll need a meantime arrangement for our weekly meetings until the conference room is available.
Await in the meantime
To wait during the interval with anticipation.
We will await in the meantime for the committee's decision.
Meantime Example Sentences
Our usual meeting room is booked; in the meantime, let's meet in the library.
Let's clean the house in the meantime while we wait for our guests.
We're waiting for the paint to dry; in the meantime, let's move the furniture back.
The computer is updating; in the meantime, I'll sort through these files.
The office is moving locations next month; in the meantime, we'll have to make do with this space.
The park is being renovated; in the meantime, let's find a new place for our picnics.
The internet is down; in the meantime, I'll work on tasks that don't require a connection.
The movie starts at 9 PM; in the meantime, let's grab some coffee.
I'm saving up for a new bike; in the meantime, I'll use my old one.
I'll be ready to leave in 20 minutes; in the meantime, check your email.
The gym is closed for maintenance; in the meantime, I'll go jogging in the park.
The car is in the shop for repairs; in the meantime, I'll take the bus to work.
The plumber will arrive by noon; in the meantime, let's gather all the leaky faucets.
Dinner won't be ready for another hour; in the meantime, you can do your homework.
We're out of your favorite snack; in the meantime, try these new ones.
Common Curiosities
How is meantime used in a sentence?
Meantime is used to describe the period between two events, e.g., We'll hear back from them in two weeks; in the meantime, we should continue with our current plan.
How many syllables are in meantime?
There are two syllables in "meantime."
What is a stressed syllable in meantime?
The first syllable, mean-, is the stressed syllable in "meantime."
Why is it called meantime?
It's called meantime because it refers to the time "mean" (in the sense of intermediate or in-between) to another event or action, emphasizing the period that lies in the middle of two points in time.
What is the verb form of meantime?
Meantime does not have a verb form as it is used as a noun or within a phrase indicating time.
What is the pronunciation of meantime?
The pronunciation of meantime is /ˈmiːnˌtaɪm/.
What is another term for meantime?
Another term for meantime is "interim."
Which vowel is used before meantime?
Vowels are not directly used before "meantime," but "in the" precedes "meantime" in the common phrase.
What is the root word of meantime?
The root word of meantime is "mean," in the sense of middle or intermediate, not in the contemporary sense of average or unkind.
What part of speech is meantime?
Meantime is a noun or an adverbial phrase when used in contexts like "in the meantime."
How do we divide meantime into syllables?
Meantime is divided into syllables as mean-time.
Is the meantime term a metaphor?
Meantime is not typically used as a metaphor; it directly refers to a period between two events.
What is the opposite of meantime?
There isn't a direct opposite of meantime, as it describes a time period; however, the concept of "immediately" or "at once" contrasts with the idea of an intervening period.
Is meantime a noun or adjective?
Meantime can be considered a noun within the phrase "in the meantime" and functions adverbially to describe when something will happen.
Is meantime a vowel or consonant?
The word meantime starts with a consonant.
Which preposition is used with meantime?
The preposition "in" is used with meantime in the common phrase "in the meantime."
Which conjunction is used with meantime?
Conjunctions are not specifically used with "meantime," but "and" or "while" may precede it in complex sentences.
Which article is used with meantime?
The definite article "the" is used with meantime in the phrase "in the meantime."
Is meantime an adverb?
When used in the phrase "in the meantime," it functions adverbially, indicating when actions take place.
Is meantime a negative or positive word?
Meantime is neutral; it can be positive or negative depending on the context in which it's used.
Is the word “meantime” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In the phrase "in the meantime," meantime functions within an adverbial phrase and does not serve as a direct or indirect object.
Is meantime an abstract noun?
Yes, meantime is an abstract noun as it refers to a concept of time rather than a tangible object.
Is meantime a countable noun?
No, meantime is not a countable noun; it refers to an unspecified period of time between events.
Is meantime a collective noun?
No, meantime is not a collective noun.
Is the word meantime imperative?
No, meantime is not imperative; it describes a time period rather than issuing a command.
Which determiner is used with meantime?
Determiners are not typically used directly with "meantime" as it is often part of the phrase "in the meantime."
What is the singular form of meantime?
The singular form is "meantime."
Is the word meantime Gerund?
No, meantime is not a gerund as it does not derive from a verb nor does it end in -ing.
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Written by
Maham LiaqatEdited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.