whereas

1 of 2

conjunction

where·​as (h)wer-ˈaz How to pronounce whereas (audio)
(ˌ)(h)wər-
1
a
: while on the contrary
b
2
: in view of the fact that : since
used especially to introduce a preamble

whereas

2 of 2

noun

1
: an introductory statement of a formal document : preamble
2
: a conditional or qualifying statement

Examples of whereas in a Sentence

Conjunction whereas you chose to participate in this stupid prank, you will be held responsible as well whereas there are many good reasons to switch to Plan B, we must stick with Plan A as long as it is feasible
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Conjunction
Brian Slade is not a human whereas all the other characters have their human elements. Jaya Saxena, GQ, 20 June 2018 There were a couple of reasons why the Prohibitionists didn't want to do that, but the primary reason was that a law can be undone by the next Congress--whereas, up until that point, no one had ever repealed a constitutional amendment. Lillian Cunningham, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction

Middle English where as, from where + as

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of whereas was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near whereas

Cite this Entry

“Whereas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whereas. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

whereas

conjunction
where·​as
hwer-ˈaz,
hwar-,
wer-,
war-,
(ˌ)hwər-,
(ˌ)wər
1
: in view of the fact that : since
2
: while just the opposite
water puts out fire, whereas gasoline feeds it

More from Merriam-Webster on whereas

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!