Definition and meaning of English word "whereas"
whereas
/hwɛərəz/
Meaning
ConjunctionIn contrast; whilst on the contrary; although.
How to use
The conjunction 'whereas' is typically used in formal writing to introduce a contrast or opposition between two ideas. It often appears in academic, legal, or technical texts. A common mistake learners make is using 'whereas' to simply introduce a new idea, rather than to contrast it with a previous one. For example: 'The company's profits increased last year, whereas its expenses decreased.'
🇬🇧 English
whereas
Example
I like reading books, whereas you like watching movies.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationCommon phrases
- in a statement— in a statement
- it is noteworthy that— it is noteworthy that
- the report stated that— the report stated that
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #842 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "whereas" mean?▼
The English word "whereas" means "whereas" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "whereas"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "whereas" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "whereas"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I like reading books, whereas you like watching movies." (which translates as "whereas").
More Connectors & Prepositions words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →