A sentence has been given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate option. Choose the correct alternative.

He was stable ______ they met.

when

The correct option to fill in the blank is when.

• While means during the time that something is happening. This word does not make sense in the context of the sentence, as it does not describe the state of the person before they met.
• Hence means as a result of this. This word does not make sense in the context of the sentence, as it does not describe the state of the person before they met.
• Lest means in order to avoid something. This word does not make sense in the context of the sentence, as it does not describe the state of the person before they met.
• When means at the time that something happens. This word is the best fit for the blank, as it describes the state of the person before they met.