Whilst vs While | Meaning & Examples
Whilst and while both mean “at the same time” (e.g., “I ate while he slept”) or “in contrast to something else” (e.g., “I like hotdogs, while he prefers burgers”).
However, “while” can also be used as a noun to refer to a period of time (e.g., “a short while”). In this case, the words cannot be used interchangeably.
“Whilst” is more common in British English than in American English, but “while” is the more popular variant in both dialects.
She likes going to the mall, whilst/while I prefer online shopping.
Whist/while I was reading on the bench, my dog was napping by my feet.
Whilst meaning
“Whilst” is a subordinating conjunction used to express that something occurred at the same time as something else (e.g., “I slept whilst he drove”) or to indicate a contrast (e.g., “I play baseball, whilst my twin brother prefers football”).
“Whilst” is considered more formal than “while,” and is typically used in British English, although “while” is more popular in both American and British dialects.
I usually think of titles for my artwork whilst I wait for the paint to dry.
We Brits use the term “football,” whilst Americans call it “soccer.”
While meaning
Like “whilst,” “while” also functions as a conjunction that’s used to show that something is happening simultaneously with something else (e.g., “We cheered while they played”) or to convey a contrast between two people or things (e.g., “I like to read, while my husband prefers watching movies”).
I was playing video games while you were gone.
I like reading nonfiction books, while my husband prefers to read science fiction.
Keep in mind that “while” can also function as a noun that means “a period of time” or “time and effort.” When used in this manner, “while” cannot be placed with “whilst.”
- Thanks for the invite, but I can only stay for a while.
- Thanks for the invite, but I can only stay for a whilst.
- It’ll be worth your while when you finally get that phone you’ve been wanting.
- It’ll be worth your whilst when you finally get that phone you’ve been wanting.
Frequently asked questions about whilst vs while
- What are other words for while?
-
There are a few words that can be used as synonyms for “while” when used as a noun meaning “a short period of time,” including:
- Duration
- Time
- Period
The following words can be used as synonyms for “while” when it is used as a subordinating conjunction that indicates a contrast between two people or things:
- Whereas
- Although
- Though
The QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool can help you vary your vocabulary to express your intended meaning.
- How do you pronounce whilst?
-
“Whilst” is pronounced like “whylst.” Put differently, it’s similar to pronouncing “while,” but with an “-st” at the end.
