While vs. Whilst — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
"While" and "whilst" both mean "during the same time"; "while" is common in American and modern British English, "whilst" is more formal and chiefly British.
Difference Between While and Whilst
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Key Differences
"While" is a conjunction used in both American and British English to denote simultaneous occurrence of events. It's a word that connects two statements that are happening at the same time. "While" is not only more common in everyday speech and writing but also preferred in American English.
"Whilst" carries the same meaning as "while" and is interchangeable in the context of time. However, "whilst" is often perceived as more formal or old-fashioned. It is predominantly used in British English and is rarely found in American English, where "while" prevails in usage.
The preference for "while" over "whilst" in contemporary language is indicative of a trend towards more simplified and direct expression. "While" is universally understood and is the preferred term in style guides and grammar references, especially in the United States.
Conversely, "whilst" can impart a tone of formality or even a sense of the archaic, depending on the audience. Some may choose to use "whilst" in writing to evoke a traditional or more serious tone. Yet, in everyday conversation, "while" is typically the choice of word for denoting concurrent events or contrasting statements.
Despite their differences, both "while" and "whilst" function as conjunctions that can also introduce contrast. For example, one might say "While I enjoy the rain, my sister dislikes it" or "Whilst I enjoy the rain, my sister dislikes it". Both sentences are correct, but the choice of conjunction may affect the tone and perceived formality of the sentence.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Preferred in American English.
Chiefly British, often considered more formal.
Prevalence
Common in both American and British English.
Less common, particularly in American English.
Tone
Informal and modern.
Formal and sometimes archaic.
Flexibility
Used in both writing and conversation.
Mostly used in writing.
Variants
Fewer variants in use.
Can have variants like "whilstst" in archaic use.
Compare with Definitions
While
During the time that.
The crowd cheered while the team scored.
Whilst
Conjunction denoting simultaneous events.
Whilst I was cooking, the light went out.
While
Conjunction denoting simultaneous events.
While I was reading, the phone rang.
Whilst
During the time that.
He wrote his report whilst listening to music.
While
While is a word in the English language that functions both as a noun and as a subordinating conjunction. Its meaning varies largely based on its intended function, position in the phrase and even the writer or speaker's regional dialect.
Whilst
At the same time that.
The birds sang whilst the dawn broke.
While
A period of time
Stay for a while.
Sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Whilst
As long as.
You should rest whilst you have the chance.
While
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
Whilst
Whereas, indicating contrast.
She studied hard whilst her bother played video games.
While
As long as; during the time that
It was lovely while it lasted.
Whilst
Often preceded by the: During the time; meanwhile.
While
In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Whilst
Synonym of while.
While
And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Whilst
During the whole, or until the end, of the time that; as long as, at the same time.
While
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly
While the hours away.
Whilst
Within, or before the end, of the time that.
While
An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
He lectured for quite a long while.
It’s a long while since anyone lived there, so it’s a ruin now.
Whilst
Although; in contrast; whereas.
While
(US) an uncertain long period of time
Whilst
Besides; in addition.
While
(Philippines) an uncertain short moment
Whilst
Only if; provided that; as long as.
While
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Whilst
While.
Whilst the emperor lay at Antioch.
While
Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
While
Until.
I'll wait while you've finished painting.
While
As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
While
Until.
While
To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
While
(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
While
To elapse, to pass.
While
Space of time, or continued duration, esp. when short; a time; as, one while we thought him innocent.
This mighty queen may no while endure.
[Some guest that] hath outside his welcome while,And tells the jest without the smile.
I will go forth and breathe the air a while.
While
That which requires time; labor; pains.
Satan . . . cast him how he might quite her while.
And so on us at whiles it falls, to claimPowers that we dread.
While
To cause to pass away pleasantly or without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass; - usually followed by away.
The lovely lady whiled the hours away.
While
To loiter.
While
During the time that; as long as; whilst; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.
Use your memory; you will sensibly experience a gradual improvement, while you take care not to overload it.
While
Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.
While
Until; till.
I may be conveyed into your chamber;I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
While
A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition;
He was here for a little while
I need to rest for a piece
A spell of good weather
A patch of bad weather
While
Whereas, indicating contrast.
She likes tea while he prefers coffee.
While
At the same time that.
The cat slept peacefully while the dogs barked outside.
Common Curiosities
Is "whilst" outdated?
"Whilst" can appear outdated or overly formal, particularly in American English.
Do "while" and "whilst" have different meanings?
No, they share the same meaning but differ in usage and tone.
Can "while" be used as a noun?
Yes, "while" can be a noun meaning "a period of time."
Can "while" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "while" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Can "while" be used to introduce a contrast?
Yes, "while" can also introduce a contrast between two statements.
Can "whilst" be considered pretentious in American English?
Some may view "whilst" as pretentious or affected in American English.
Is "whilst" commonly used in American English?
No, "whilst" is less common and is considered more formal or British.
Are "while" and "whilst" synonyms?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably to mean "during the same time."
Is "whilst" grammatically correct?
Yes, "whilst" is grammatically correct, especially in British English.
Is "whilst" ever used in spoken English?
"Whilst" is used in spoken English, though it's less common and more formal.
Are there times when "while" and "whilst" cannot be used interchangeably?
In most cases, they are interchangeable when used as conjunctions for time or contrast.
Does "while" have variants like "whilst" does?
"While" is more straightforward without variants like the archaic "whilstst."
Is it ever incorrect to use "while" in place of "whilst"?
It is generally not incorrect, though audience and regional preferences might dictate the best choice.
Should I avoid using "whilst" in American publications?
It's typically better to use "while" in American English to ensure modern tone and clarity.
Does "while" have other functions besides conjunction?
Yes, "while" can function as a noun or verb, unlike "whilst."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
