during

During means throughout the entire time or at a certain point in time when something was happening.

During is a preposition, which is a type of word used before a noun or pronoun to relate it to another part of the sentence, especially to express a relationship based on space or time. During expresses a relationship based on time—it indicates that something happened not before or after something else, but at the same time.

It can mean that something occurred continuously while something else was happening, as in We stayed inside during the storm. 

Or it can mean that something occurred at a certain time or times while something else was happening, as in I only left the house once during the storm. 

When used in a sentence, during is usually followed by a noun or pronoun that indicates the time frame or event in which the action has taken place, as in during our vacation or during Spanish class or during the game.

Example: I hate how hot it gets during the summer.

The first records of the word during come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin dūrāre, meaning “to last.” The same root forms the basis of other words related to how long things last: endure, endurance, and duration.

During is always used when two things are happening simultaneously or concurrently—meaning they’re happening at the same time. In other words, during can be used whenever an action overlaps with another action or even—whether they overlap for the entirety of the time or just at certain points. If an action happens within the time frame of an event, it happens during it.

Saying you ran on the track team during high school means you did it while you were a high school student. Saying you went to get a snack during the movie means you did it while the movie was still on.

What are some synonyms for during?

• throughout

What are some words that share a root or word element with during? 

• endure
• endurance
• duration

What are some words that often get used in discussing during?

• before
• after
• while
• when
• happen
• occur

During is an extremely common word that’s used to indicate when certain actions were taken in relation to another event.

Have you heard of synchronous fireflies? This happens in only a few places in the world, and we have some right here in Alabama! For only about 10 days a year during mating season, thousands of male fireflies flash in sync. Photos taken last night by @ronburkett97 (IG) pic.twitter.com/AiOFQhOolK

— James Spann (@spann) June 11, 2020

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo says his ankle wasn’t bothering him during the game, but he walked out of the arena severely limping.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 5, 2020

Over the last decade more pregnant women and newborns are surviving and thriving globally thanks to improved access to effective and respectful care before, during and after pregnancy. See how @USAID supports #MomandBaby: https://t.co/vY7ZqUMnfE pic.twitter.com/CVYHVJL76f

— USAID Global Health (@USAIDGH) September 4, 2020

Is during used correctly in the following sentence?

The parking lot will be closed during the parade.