In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
AWHILE
awhile, for a while
(adverb) for a short time; “sit down and stay awhile”; “they settled awhile in Virginia before moving West”; “the baby was quiet for a while”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
awhile (not comparable)
For some time; for a short time.
(US) In the meantime; during an implicit ongoing process.
Usage notes
Since awhile means “for a while”, it often considered incorrect to use it with a preceding preposition, as one is already included: instead of “for awhile”, one should prefer either “for a while” or simply “awhile”. However, “awhile” as object for a preposition is used by renowned writers, is allowed by Merriam-Webster, and is consistent with how other adverbs of time and place are employed.
In Pennsylvania Dutch English, 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 may sit awhile” (meaning the person can sit while they are waiting) and “You may sit a while” (meaning they can sit for a length of time).
Synonyms
• (for some time): for a minute, momentarily; see also temporarily
• (in the meantime): for the moment, meanwhile, meanwhilst, the while
Source: Wiktionary
A*while", adv. Etym: [Adj. a + while time, interval.]
Definition: For a while; for some time; for a short time.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
22 February 2025
ANALYSIS
(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ‘the father of the bride’ instead of ‘the bride’s father’
Coffee Trivia
