Definition Synonyms
Definition of when - Reverso English Dictionary
Adverb
1.
interrogativeat what time or occasion
- When will the meeting start?
2.
specific timeat the time that
- He was there when the sun set.
3.
informalRare situation or circumstance in whichRare
- There are times when you just need to relax.
Conjunction
1.
timeat the time something happens
- Call me when you arrive.
2.
durationduring the time that something is happening
- She was reading when I called.
3.
conditionin the event that
- We'll start the meeting when everyone is here.
4.
contrastRare although something is trueRare
- He stayed calm when others panicked.
Noun
1.
specific timethe time at which something happens
- Do you know the when of the meeting?
2.
timequestion as to the time of some occurrence
- The when of the event is still unknown.
Expressions with when
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tell someone when to stop or when enough is enough
You can keep adding sugar, just say when.
act cautiously if uncertain about something
When in doubt, ask for help.
used to introduce the subject or area being discussed or judged
When it comes to exams, he always studies at the last minute.
react with extreme worry or anger after discovering something upsetting
Mum will have kittens when she sees the broken window.
treat someone badly when they already suffer or face problems
Teasing Mark after his accident is really hitting him when he is down.
make things worse for someone already having a hard time
Don't kick the player when they are down.
make trouble worse for someone already in bad shape
They really struck him when he was down by firing him then.
time seems to pass quickly when one enjoys oneself
Time flies when you're having fun at the party!
used to introduce a condition or possibility
We will start the project when and if we get approval.
means something that will never happen or is impossible
He'll clean his room when pigs fly.
when pressure is high and action is necessary
When push comes to shove, she always stands her ground.
used to describe moments when pressure or urgency is highest
When the chips are down, she always stays calm.
immediately after a whistle is heard
Leave the field when the whistle blows.
treat someone badly who is already suffering or in trouble
Don't kick a dog when it's down by blaming her again.
something that will never happen
He'll apologize when hell freezes over.
at a critical moment requiring action or decision
When push came to shove, they decided to sell the house.
at the moment when a big decision is needed
When the crunch comes, we must act quickly.
expresses nostalgia for a past time or situation
Gone are the days when we played outside all day.
at the time an event happens, if it happens
We will decide on the venue if and when we get approval.
expresses disbelief at a surprising situation
It's coming to something when kids prefer screens to playing outside.
act meanly toward someone already in a bad situation
Don’t kick Maria when they’re down; she just lost her job.
recognize the right time to quit
In poker, you must know when to fold to avoid losing more money.
feel strong romantic or loving feelings for someone
His heart leaps when he sees his crush.
at a time in the distant past
We used to play outside way back when.
Origin of when
Old English, hwænne (at what time)
Terms with when included in their meaning
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sound maker
hollow metal object that rings when struck
calendar
specific day when an event happens
daylight
time when the sun lights the sky
farewell
used to express good wishes when parting
spoken farewell
utterance of farewell when leaving someone
communication
greeting used when meeting someone
direction
designating the side facing west when facing north
stair
flat surface in a series for placing the foot when moving levels
time
moment when the sun disappears below the horizon
temporary farewell
used to say goodbye when leaving for a short time
repeated meeting
greeting used when meeting someone again
communication
used when giving something to someone
greetings
polite greeting when first introduced
directional aspect
the side that is on the right when facing forward
farewell
expression used when parting from someone
interaction
used when giving something to someone
schedule
used to ask for the exact hour when something happens
measurement
indicates the complete number when several amounts are added
start time
the time when something starts
music
musical instruments that ring when struck
body
the abdomen, especially when large or protruding
heat
at or near the temperature when water turns to steam
shipping
specific day when ordered goods or packages are expected to arrive
astronomy
the phase of the moon when fully illuminated
Examples of when in a sentence
When is the deadline for submissions? Call me when you arrive. I remember when we first met. There are moments when silence speaks volumes. When the sun sets, the sky turns orange. She cried when she heard the news.
I'll start cooking when you get home. He was cooking when the power went out. The baby started crying when the dog barked. When the sun sets, the lights turn on. She smiled when she was actually upset. He worked hard when others took it easy. The when of the event is still undecided. Please confirm the when of your arrival. The when of their arrival was uncertain. He couldn't answer the when of the meeting.
View all translations of when
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:quand, si, ...
- German:wann, obwohl, ...
- Italian:quando, sebbene, ...
- Spanish:cuándo, aunque, ...
- Portuguese:quando, embora, ...
- Chinese:什么时候, 虽然, ...
- Japanese:いつ, ときに, ...
- Arabic:مَتَى, إِذَا, ...
- Hebrew:מָתַי, כְּשֶׁ, ...
- Russian:когда, хотя, ...
- Ukrainian:коли, хоча, ...
- Hindi:कब, जबकि, ...
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