Afterwhile is a word that is commonly used in the English language, yet it is not as commonly understood. It is a word that is often used in a casual setting, and its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of afterwhile, its origin, its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Afterwhile is an adverb that is used to describe an action that will take place at some point in the future. It is often used to describe something that will happen after a certain amount of time has passed. It can also be used to describe an action that will take place after a certain event has occurred.
Origin
The word afterwhile has been in use since the early 19th century. It is a combination of the words after and while. The word after is derived from the Old English word æfter, which means behind or later. The word while is derived from the Old English word hwīl, which means a period of time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of afterwhile can vary depending on the dictionary being used. In the Oxford English Dictionary, afterwhile is defined as “after a short time; presently, soon.” In Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “in a while; after a time.” In Cambridge Dictionary, it is defined as “after a short time has passed.”
Associations
Afterwhile is often associated with casual speech and is commonly used in informal settings. It is not typically used in formal writing or speech. It is also often associated with the American South and is commonly used in Southern dialects.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of afterwhile include eventually, in due course, in time, shortly, and soon.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of afterwhile include immediately, instantly, now, and presently.
The same root words
The root words of afterwhile are after and while. Other words that share these roots include afterlife, aftermath, afterthought, awhile, meanwhile, and worthwhile.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how afterwhile can be used in sentences:
- “Afterwhile, we’ll go grab some lunch.”
- “I’ll be there afterwhile, just give me some time to finish up what I’m doing.”
- “Afterwhile, the sun will set and the stars will come out.”
- “I’ll call you afterwhile to let you know how the meeting went.”
- “Afterwhile, I’ll need to start thinking about what I want to do for my next vacation.”