Whereas: meaning, definitions and examples

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whereas

[ ˌwɛərˈæz ]

Conjunction

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Conjunction}

used to make a contrast between two things

Whereas is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous statement or situation. It is often used in legal or formal documents to show a difference in opinion or action.

Synonyms

but, while, whilst.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whereas	used to contrast two different things or situations in comparison, often in formal writing or speech. She loves hiking, whereas I prefer swimming. He is very outgoing, whereas his brother is quite shy.
while	used to indicate something happening at the same time as another event; also to contrast two situations, more neutral and versatile in usage. She was cooking dinner while he was setting the table. While he enjoys sports, she prefers reading.
whilst	a more formal or British English variant of 'while,' used primarily in the same contexts; more literary or traditional. She read a book whilst waiting for the train. Mystery novels are entertaining, whilst non-fiction books can be educational.
but	commonly used in both formal and informal settings to introduce a contrast or exception. I want to go to the party, but I have to finish my homework. She is talented, but she lacks confidence.

Examples of usage

John prefers tea, whereas Mary prefers coffee.
His first book was very successful, whereas his second book was a complete failure.

^{Context #2 | Conjunction}

used to introduce a new point

Whereas can also be used to introduce a new point or topic of discussion. It is often used in academic or formal writing to transition between different ideas.

Synonyms

on the other hand, while.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whereas	Used to introduce a contrast between two statements or clauses, often in formal writing or legal documents. Tom loves the city, whereas Sarah prefers the countryside The first proposal was expensive, whereas the second was much more affordable
while	Used to introduce a simultaneous action or situation, or to show contrast between two statements. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While she enjoys classical music, he prefers rock I like the taste of coffee, while my brother likes tea
on the other hand	Used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative, commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing. I enjoy working from home On the other hand, I miss the social interactions at the office Our profits have increased On the other hand, our expenses have risen as well

Word

Description / Examples

whereas

Used to introduce a contrast between two statements or clauses, often in formal writing or legal documents.

Tom loves the city, whereas Sarah prefers the countryside
The first proposal was expensive, whereas the second was much more affordable

while

Used to introduce a simultaneous action or situation, or to show contrast between two statements. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

While she enjoys classical music, he prefers rock
I like the taste of coffee, while my brother likes tea

on the other hand

Used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative, commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing.

I enjoy working from home
On the other hand, I miss the social interactions at the office
Our profits have increased
On the other hand, our expenses have risen as well

Examples of usage

Whereas the first chapter focuses on the history of the company, the second chapter delves into its current financial situation.
The study found that, whereas men tend to excel in physical tasks, women are often better at multitasking.

Translations

Translations of the word "whereas" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enquanto

🇮🇳 जबकि

🇩🇪 während

🇮🇩 sedangkan

🇺🇦 тоді як

🇵🇱 podczas gdy

🇯🇵 一方で

🇫🇷 tandis que

🇪🇸 mientras que

🇹🇷 iken

🇰🇷 반면에

🇸🇦 في حين

🇨🇿 zatímco

🇸🇰 kým

🇨🇳 而

🇸🇮 medtem ko

🇮🇸 meðan

🇰🇿 ал

🇬🇪 მაშინ როცა

🇦🇿 halbuki

🇲🇽 mientras que

Etymology

The word whereas originated from Middle English, where it was a combination of 'where' and 'as'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. Over time, its usage has evolved to serve as a contrast marker in various contexts, including legal, formal, and academic settings.

See also: anywhere, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere, where, wherever.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,608, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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