whereas

US /(h)wɛɹˈæz/ UK /weəɹˈæz/ See IPA manual

Freq #6627

Meanings

1

conj
Used to compare two facts and show a contrast between them.

My sister loves sports, whereas I prefer reading.
2

conj
Considering that; used at the start of formal or legal statements.

Whereas the parties wish to enter into an agreement, they agree to the following terms.

Thesaurus

Word family

Related forms henceafterhenceforth henceforward henceforwardshencefromhereabout hereaboutshereabovehereafterhereaftershereagainsthereamong

Etymology

From where + as (“that”); first attested in the meaning of "where" in the 14th century. Compare thereas.

Topics

Grammar & Function Words Register & Style

External links

# whereas

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** conj
**IPA (US):** /(h)wɛɹˈæz/
**IPA (UK):** /weəɹˈæz/
**Frequency rank:** 6627

## Meanings
1. Used to compare two facts and show a contrast between them.
2. Considering that; used at the start of formal or legal statements.

## Examples
- My sister loves sports, whereas I prefer reading.
- Whereas the parties wish to enter into an agreement, they agree to the following terms.

## Related Forms
- henceafter
- henceforth
- henceforward
- henceforwards
- hencefrom
- hereabout
- hereabouts
- hereabove
- hereafter
- hereafters
- hereagainst
- hereamong

## Etymology
From where + as (“that”); first attested in the meaning of "where" in the 14th century. Compare thereas.

## AI Etymology
Whereas is from where + as (“that”); first attested in the meaning of "where" in the 14th century. Compare thereas. In present-day use, it can mean used to compare two facts and show a contrast between them, or considering that; used at the start of formal or legal statements. Related words include henceafter, henceforth, henceforward, henceforwards, hencefrom.

## Topics
- Grammar & Function Words
- Register & Style

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