during
Definitions
Throughout the whole of a period of time
在（某段时间）的整个期间
At some point within a period of time
在（某段时间）内的某一刻
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom the old verb 'dure' (to last) + -ing. 'During the war' literally meant 'the war lasting' — across the whole stretch of time the war went on. The participle froze into a preposition, but the core idea of dur survives: it marks the span of time something lasts.
Root dur still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
during vs for: 'during' answers WHEN something happens (during the meeting), while 'for' answers HOW LONG (for two hours). Say 'I fell asleep during the film' (a point within it), but 'I slept for eight hours' (a length). Don't use 'during' with a number of hours/days.
Example Sentences
- 1.
I usually drink a lot of coffee during exams.
- 2.
She woke up several times during the night.
- 3.
The store gets very busy during the holidays.