When

Definition

When refers to the time at which something occurs or the circumstances under which an event happens. It can be used as a conjunction, adverb, pronoun, or noun to indicate time or occasion.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Conjunction
• Pronoun
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛn/
• Respelling: WEN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛn/
• Respelling: WEN

Etymology

The word "when" originates from Old English "hwænne," meaning "at what time" or "when," derived from Proto-Germanic "*hwan" and Proto-Indo-European "*kwo-" meaning "who" or "what." It has been in use since the early Middle English period.

Derivatives

• Whenever (conjunction/adverb)
• Whensoever (conjunction, archaic)
• Whenabouts (noun, informal)
• Whens (noun, plural, literary)
• Whence (adverb, related)

Synonyms

• At what time
• While
• As

Antonyms

• Never
• None
• Not at all

Usage

The word "when" is versatile and used in various contexts to indicate time or occasion, as in "When will you arrive?" or "I remember the time when we met."

Related Terms

• While: A conjunction used to describe simultaneous events or conditions.
• Then: Refers to a specific point in time.
• Where: A word used to describe location.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• At what time: Refers to the time something happens.
  • Example: "When will the train arrive?"
• At the time that: Indicates a specific point in time.
  • Example: "They arrived when I was leaving."

Conjunction

• At or during the time that: Connects clauses to indicate time.
  • Example: "She smiled when she saw him."
• In case or considering that: Refers to a conditional or situational clause.
  • Example: "Why ask, when you already know the answer?"

Pronoun

• The time at which: Refers to a specific point or period.
  • Example: "Tell me when you're ready."

Noun

• A specific time or occasion: Refers to an event or moment.
  • Example: "I don't know the exact when of the meeting."