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when [ wen, hwen ] (plural whens) CORE MEANING: an adverb used to ask at what time or at what point something happens
  When can we expect you?
When should you use your rearview mirror? |
| Definition: |
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1. conj while: at or during the time that
When I was a child, I lived in the country.
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2. conj as soon as: as soon as somebody does something or something happens
Call me when you get home.
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3. conj at some point: at some point during an activity, event, or circumstance
We got him when he was still a pup.
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4. conj each time that: each time that something happens
When I dial, I get a busy signal.
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5. conj if: considering the fact that
Why walk when you can ride?
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6. conj although: in spite of the fact that
They think I'm really easygoing, when in fact I'm not.
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7. adverb at or during which time: used to indicate a time at or during which something happens
When did it happen?
Since when has that been a problem?
He remembered a time when he could run a mile without any difficulty.
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8. noun unspecified time period: used to refer to the time that something happened or will happen
(
often used in the plural
)
We're having trouble determining the whens and hows of the thing.
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| [ Old English hwonne, hwænne< Indo-European] |
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