English

Adverb

awhile ‎(not comparable)

1. For some time; for a short time.

   Sit with me awhile.

2. (US, dialectal) In the meantime; during (an implicit ongoing process).

   Can I get you a drink awhile?

Translations

Usage notes

Since awhile means “for a while”, it is never used with a preceding preposition, as one is already included. When preceded by a preposition, the correct form is “a while”, as two words, as in once in a while. Compare “sit with me awhile” and “sit with me for a while”.

In dialects using the second sense of the word, awhile is typically always used to convey such sense; the word is separated as “a while” for the first sense, whether preceded by a preposition or not. Compare “You can sit awhile” (meaning the person can sit while they are waiting) and “You can sit a while” (meaning they can sit for a length of time).

Related terms

• while