Meantime-Meanwhile | Commonly Confused Words

Meantime

/ˈmiːntaɪm/

The time period between two events

And, meantime, keep your health and learn all you can.In the meantime he toiled on.In the meantime he and Strassmann would carry on alone.

This word has no antonyms

/ˈmiːnwaɪl/

During the time something else is happening or in contrast to another event.

Meanwhile great events were taking place in Europe.In the meanwhile Samuel Griffiths had returned to Lycurgus.Meanwhile the tap came again.

This word has no antonyms

"Meantime" is often used as a noun and follows "in the" to form phrases like "in the meantime."
"Meanwhile" is an adverb and can stand alone or start a sentence.
Both words refer to a period of time between events, but their grammatical roles differ.
"Meanwhile" can also convey a contrast in actions taking place at the same time.
Remember, "meantime" starts with "mean" and usually appears within a phrase.