when
when definition
when (hwen, wen)
adverb
- at what time? when did they leave? he asked when he should go
- on what occasion or under what circumstances? when do you double the final consonant?
- at what point? when shall I stop pouring?
- at an earlier time and under different, often less favorable, circumstances I knew him when
Etymology: ME whenne < OE hwænne, akin to Ger wann, when, wenn, if, akin to hwa, who: see what
conjunction
- at what time or point they told us when to eat
- at the time that when we were at college
- at which a time when people must speak out
- as soon as the runners started when the gun went off
- at whatever time; whenever she smiles when you praise her
- although; while on the contrary to complain when there's no reason to do so
- if; considering the fact that how can he help when they won't let him?
pronoun
- what time until when will you stay?
- which time we came a week ago, since when we've been very busy
noun
the time or moment (of an event) the when and where of his arrest
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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