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all the while

 - 2 dictionary results

while

  [hwahyl, wahyl] noun, conjunction, preposition, verb, whiled, whil⋅ing.
Use all the while in a Sentence
–noun
1. a period or interval of time: to wait a long while; He arrived a short while ago.
2. Archaic. a particular time or occasion.
–conjunction
3. during or in the time that.
4. throughout the time that; as long as.
5. even though; although: While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position.
6. at the same time that (showing an analogous or corresponding action): The floor was strewn with books, while magazines covered the tables.
–preposition
7. Archaic. until.
–verb (used with object)
8. to cause (time) to pass, esp. in some easy or pleasant manner (usually fol. by away).
—Idioms
9. all the while, at or during this time; all along: She realized all the while that the cake would fall.
10. worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense: The art exhibition that opened yesterday isn't worth your while.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE hwīl; c. D wijl, G weile, ON hvīla, Goth hweila
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To all the while
Word Origin & History

while  (v.)
"to cause (time) to pass without dullness, 1635, earlier "to occupy or engage (someone or something) for a period of time" (1606), new formation from while (n.), not considered to be from M.E. hwulen "to have leisure," which is from a Gmc. verb form of while (n.) (cf. Ger. weilen "to stay, linger"). An association with phrases such as Shakespearean beguile the day, L. diem decipere, Fr. tromper le temps "has led to the substitution of WILE v by some modern writers" [OED] (see wile).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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