whereas

American  

[hwair-, wair-az] / ʰwɛər-, wɛərˈæz /

conjunction

1. while on the contrary.

   One arrived promptly, whereas the others hung back.

2. it being the case that, or considering that (used especially in formal preambles).

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noun

plural

whereases

1. a qualifying or introductory statement, especially one having “whereas” as the first word.

   to read the whereases in the will.

whereas British  

/ wɛərˈæz /

conjunction

1. (coordinating) but on the other hand

   I like to go swimming whereas Sheila likes to sail

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1. (in formal documents to begin sentences) it being the case that; since

Etymology

Origin of whereas

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English wheras; equivalent to where + as ¹

Example Sentences

Van Dijk was clearly making a tackle, whereas contact from Pacho seemed to be incidental rather than a challenge on an opponent.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Demining is one area of military power where Europe has many more assets than the U.S., which has largely decommissioned its minesweeping fleet, whereas European powers have upward of 150 vessels, according to analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Originally pitched as a movie, the comeback is subdivided instead into 30-minute-long quarters, giving them a certain heft, whereas a “TV movie” might have felt like a throwaway, an afterthought.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But it has remained geographically focused on member schools across the Southern U.S., whereas the Big Ten now has a coast-to-coast presence.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Lula won prizes for her needlework, whereas mine was straggly and pitiful.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly