I. (ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ conjunction
Etymology: Middle English where as, from where (I) + as
1. archaic : where
home she came, whereas her mother blind sat in eternal night — Edmund Spenser
2. : considering that : in view of the fact that : since — usually used to introduce a preamble (as to a law or contract) that is the basis of a following declaration, affirmation, command, or request
3.
a. : when in fact : while on the contrary : the case being in truth that — used to introduce a statement in opposition or contrast to a preceding or sometimes following statement
was spending practically all of his time on the inside dealing with things, whereas his yearnings were to deal more with people — W.J.Reilly
b. : although
seeing I have once begun, I will speak to my Lord, whereas I am dust and ashes — Gen 18:27 (NCE)
whereas it is quite dangerous to draw conclusions … one cannot avoid being struck with some gross changes — Abram Kardiner
c. : at the same time that : while
its isolation favored the development of a unified and distinctive culture, whereas its nearness to the European continent was a guarantee against a too sharp differentiation from western civilization — Kemp Malone
II. noun
( -es )
1. : an introductory statement of a formal or legal document : preamble
learned his way through whereases at … law school — Roland Gelatt
2. : a conditional or qualifying statement
dilutes it with various discreet whereases — H.L.Mencken