Word
whereas
Phoneticswhere·as, stress on the second syllable
US/hwɛˈɹæz/
UK/wˈeəɹəz/
Definitions
01contrast
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
conj. you use this to compare two facts and show that they are different.
conj. used to introduce a clause that contrasts with the previous statement.
日本語:一方※
“He loves cold weather, whereas his sister prefers the heat of summer.”
“The north of the country enjoys a temperate climate, whereas the south is characterized by arid conditions and extreme seasonal heat.”
Usage
Typically placed between two contrasting clauses, though it can occasionally start a sentence for emphasis.
Pitfall
Whereas it was raining, we went for a walk.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Use 'whereas' to compare two different things, not to show a surprising result for one thing. Use 'although' for surprises.
02legal preamble
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
conj. a formal way to say 'because' or 'since' at the start of a legal document.
conj. used at the beginning of a preamble or recital in a legal document to state a fact or reason for the agreement.
“Whereas the parties wish to work together, they agree to the following rules.”
“Whereas the Employer desires to retain the services of the Employee, the parties hereby enter into this formal agreement.”
Usage
Often written in capital letters (WHEREAS) at the start of paragraphs in contracts.
Synonyms
03a legal clause
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a specific part of a legal document that starts with the word 'whereas'.
n. a clause in a legal document or resolution that sets forth the reasons for the document's existence.
“The lawyer spent the afternoon drafting the whereas clauses of the contract.”
“The resolution was passed quickly, though several members questioned the accuracy of the third whereas regarding budget allocations.”
Usage
Usually refers to the introductory 'recitals' section of a legal instrument.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “whereas” in context.
Verb
01. argue that whereas
“Critics argue that whereas the law protects property, it does little to protect individual privacy.”
verb + that-clause
02. note that whereas
“We should note that whereas the first group succeeded, the second group failed to meet the deadline.”
verb + that-clause
03. show that whereas
“The statistics show that whereas urban areas are growing, rural populations are declining.”
verb + that-clause
Noun
04. evidence that whereas
“There is clear evidence that whereas some species adapt, others face extinction due to climate change.”
noun + that-clause
05. fact that whereas
“He ignored the fact that whereas he had plenty of time, his colleagues were under pressure.”
noun + that-clause
Real-World Examples
“For example, when the words "joy," "surprise" and "sadness" were presented, terms judged to be similar in meaning were placed close together, whereas terms judged to be different were placed farther apart.” “You can also have three apps running live in split-screen on the Fold, whereas most other foldables limit you to two.” “Whereas in 2009 16.4 million Spaniards picked up a newspaper every day, in 2025 that figure had shrunk to 5.4 million daily readers.” Etymology
From where + as (“that”); first attested in the meaning of "where" in the 14th century. Compare thereas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
CONJUNCTION
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/whereas
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0