Cool MateMeantime vs Meanwhile
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Meantime
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Meanwhile
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
| Meantime | Meanwhile | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmiːntaɪm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmiːntaɪm/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmiːnwaɪl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmiːnwaɪl/"]/ |
| Meaning | The time in between two events. | At the same time as something else happens. |
| Example | I'm changing my email address but for the meantime you can use the old one. | Leave the cake to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the topping. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | adverb |
| Collocations | in the meantime, in the meantime period, use the meantime | meanwhile, back at the ranch, meanwhile, in another part of town, meanwhile, across the street |
| Antonyms | future, later, afterward | afterwards, later |
| Common mistakes | Using 'meanwhile' incorrectly instead of 'meantime'., 'Meantime' is often used with 'in the meantime', which can confuse learners. | Omitting the comma before 'meanwhile' when used at the beginning of a sentence., 'Meanwhile' is sometimes misused in informal contexts where 'in the meantime' might be more appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Use 'meantime' to refer to the time between two events. It's neutral, suitable for both informal and formal situations, but avoid it in very formal writing. | Use 'meanwhile' to connect two actions occurring at the same time, typically in writing or formal speech. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Meantime vs Meanwhile
What's the difference between Meantime and Meanwhile?
Meantime: The time in between two events. Meanwhile: At the same time as something else happens.
Which is more advanced: Meantime and Meanwhile?
Meantime is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Meantime and Meanwhile the same CEFR level?
Meantime: C1, Meanwhile: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Meantime and Meanwhile?
Meantime: noun, Meanwhile: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Meantime: I'm changing my email address but for the meantime you can use the old one. Meanwhile: Leave the cake to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the topping.
Can I use Meantime and Meanwhile interchangeably?
Not always. Meantime and Meanwhile are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.