during the winter

[Winwin2011]

During

1. from the beginning to the end of a period of time:
2. at some point in a period of time:

during - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

"During" has two meaning as explained in Longman English Dictionary. If we say "John went to London during the winter", does "during the winter" mean from the beginning to the end of the winter?

Thanks.

 

[Gillnetter]

During

1. from the beginning to the end of a period of time:
2. at some point in a period of time:

during - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

"During" has two meaning as explained in Longman English Dictionary. If we say "John went to London during the winter", does "during the winter" mean from the beginning to the end of the winter?

Thanks.

No. It means that at some time in the winter he went to London.

 

[Winwin2011]

No. It means that at some time in the winter he went to London.

Thanks, Gillnetter.

If we don't have context, for example I heard somebody say "John went to London during the winter", how do we determine the meaning of 1 or 2? Would appreciate if you could further explain?

 

[SoothingDave]

If John went to London specifically to spend the entire season there, we would probably say "he went to London for the winter." (Though going to Florida for the winter makes more sense.)