This is the 596th most frequent Italian word.
frattempo
"Frattempo" means "meanwhile" or "in the meantime" in English.
'Frattempo' in this sentence is used to indicate simultaneous actions occurring in the duration of the same time period.
Ho iniziato a cucinare, e nel frattempo il mio amico ha apparecchiato la tavola.
I started cooking, and in the meantime, my friend set the table.
Here, 'frattempo' implies inserting another action during a primary ongoing activity and underscores the importance of balance.
Studia per l'esame; nel frattempo prendi qualche pausa per rilassarti.
Study for the exam; in the meantime, take some breaks to relax.
In this example, 'frattempo' situates a secondary action in the gap of waiting for the main event, filling the idle time productively.