when

when Definition

when (hwen, wen)

adverb

1. at what time? when did they leave? he asked when he should go
2. on what occasion or under what circumstances? when do you double the final consonant?
3. 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

1. at what time or point they told us when to eat
2. 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?

noun

the time or moment (of an event) the when and where of his arrest

when Synonyms

conj. & modif.

At what time?
how soon?, how long ago?, in what period?, just when?, at which instant?
Whenever
if, at any time, at the moment that, just as soon as, in the event that, on the condition that; see also if.
During
at the same time that, immediately upon, just as, just after, at, while, meanwhile; see also during.

when Quotes

I distrust a man that says when. If he's got to be careful not to drink too much it's because he's not to be trusted when he does.

—Hammett, (Samuel) Dashiell

The Right Honwas atubby little chapwho looked as if he had been poured into his clothes and had forgotten to say 'When!'

—Plum

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