whereas

UK: weərˈæz | US: werˈæz

Definition
  1. conj. used to compare or contrast two facts or situations

  2. conj. (legal) considering that; in view of the fact that

Structure
where <in what place>as <in the manner of>
Etymology

The word "whereas" originated in Middle English as a combination of "where" (from Old English hwǣr, meaning "in what place") and "as" (from Old English eallswā, meaning "in the manner of"). It initially functioned as a literal phrase ("in which manner") but evolved into a conjunction for introducing contrasting clauses or formal statements, particularly in legal contexts. The logic reflects spatial ("where") and comparative ("as") reasoning merging into a contrastive function.

Examples
  1. Whereas the first experiment succeeded, the second one failed.

  2. The contract states, "Whereas Party A agrees to pay, Party B agrees to deliver."

  3. Whereas some prefer tea, others favor coffee.

  4. He was excused, whereas his colleague faced consequences.

  5. Whereas the old system was slow, the new one is efficient.