during
during
Pronunciation
during: /ˈdjʊərɪŋ/ or /ˈdʒʊərɪŋ/ (both are common and acceptable pronunciations)
First Syllable (/ˈdjʊər/ or /ˈdʒʊər/):
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
/j/ - voiced palatal approximant (or /dʒ/ - voiced postalveolar affricate)
/ʊə/ - near-close near-back rounded vowel followed by a schwa (diphthong)
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
Second Syllable (/ɪŋ/):
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/ŋ/ - voiced velar nasal
Word Form Variations
The word "during" is a preposition and does not have variations for singular, plural, verb tenses, comparative/superlative forms, etc., as nouns, verbs, or adjectives would. It remains "during" in all contexts.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Preposition
during: Throughout the entire extent or duration of a particular period, event, or activity. It indicates that something happens continuously or at some point within a specified timeframe.
Synonyms: throughout, while, pending, throughout the course of, in the course of
Antonyms: after, before, following, preceding
Examples of Use
Books:
"He spent many sleepless nights worrying during the war." (From "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque, 1929)
"The protagonist underwent a significant transformation during her journey." (From "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, March 2012)
Newspapers:
"Traffic delays are expected during the morning commute due to ongoing road construction." (The New York Times, June 2024)
"The national team showed remarkable resilience during the second half of the match." (The Guardian, February 2024)
Online Publications:
"Many businesses reported increased online sales during the holiday season." (Forbes.com, January 2025)
"Experts advise staying hydrated during periods of extreme heat." (WebMD.com, July 2024)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "She discovered a hidden talent during her time at the performing arts academy." (Dialogue from a fictional film)
Television Series: "The detective found a crucial piece of evidence during the house search." (From "Line of Duty," BBC One, May 2021)
Podcast: "Our guest will share insights on mental well-being during stressful times." (From "The Daily" podcast, The New York Times, August 2024)
Video Game: "Collect all the power-ups during the boss battle to gain an advantage." (Instruction in a video game tutorial)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to finish this report during my lunch break." (A common statement made in a workplace)
"It rained heavily during our picnic, so we had to pack up early." (A casual conversation about an event)
"Please keep your phones on silent during the performance." (An announcement before a live show)
10 Quotes Using During
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." (Aristotle Onassis)
"The best way out is always through, and we often find our greatest strength during the struggle." (Robert Frost)
"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground, especially during turbulent times." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, especially during periods of need." (Winston Churchill)
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for; they must brave the storms, even during the fiercest gales." (John A. Shedd)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, particularly during moments of national crisis." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"Even during the most challenging journeys, remember to appreciate the small victories." (Oprah Winfrey)
"It is during our failures that we often discover our true capabilities." (Maya Angelou)
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet; only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved, particularly during adversity." (Helen Keller)
"The creative adult is the child who survived, especially during the pressures of growing up." (Ursula K. Le Guin)
Etymology
The word "during" has a rather straightforward and interesting journey through time.
Essentially, "during" comes from a very old verb, "duren," which is now pretty much obsolete in English, but it meant "to last, to endure, to continue, or to exist." Think of words like "durable" or "duration" – they come from the same root.
This verb "duren" itself has roots in Old French "durer," and before that, Latin "durare," meaning "to harden" or "to last." Ultimately, it can be traced back to a very ancient Indo-European root meaning "to be firm, solid, or steadfast," which is also linked to words like "wood" or "tree" because wood is firm.
So, "during" started its life in Middle English (roughly 1150-1500) as the present participle of this verb "duren." It was like saying "lasting" or "enduring."
The first known use of "during" as we use it today, as a preposition meaning "in the time of" or "throughout the continuance of," appears in the late 14th century. One of the earliest recorded instances, around 1385, is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous poet. So, when you say "during the day," you're literally saying "while the day endures" or "lasting the day."
Phrases + Idioms Containing During
During the day/night: Indicating the time of day an action occurs.
During the week/weekend: Referring to a specific part of the week.
During the meeting/presentation: Specifying the context of an event.
During the course of: A slightly more formal way to say "during."
During the interim: Referring to a period in between two events.
During a lull: Occurring in a quiet or calm period.
During the dog days of summer: (Using a synonym, "during" the hottest days of summer).
To get through the night/day: (Using a synonym for "during," implying surviving a period).
Making hay while the sun shines: (An idiom about taking advantage of a favorable period, similar to "during good times").
While the iron is hot: (An idiom about acting at the opportune moment, similar to "during the right moment").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of during from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
