How Do You Spell WHEREAS?

Pronunciation: [wˈe͡əɹəz] (IPA)

The word "Whereas" is often misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. It is pronounced as /wɛrˈæz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "wh" in the beginning of the word is pronounced as a single sound /w/, which is followed by the short "e" sound. Then comes the consonant cluster "r" and "e" pronounced together as /ɛr/. Finally, "as" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the consonant "z". It is important to pay attention to the pronunciation and spelling of this word in formal writing.

WHEREAS Meaning and Definition

1. Whereas is a conjunction that serves to introduce a contrasting or opposing statement within a sentence or discourse. It typically leads to the presentation of an alternative or contradictory idea to what has been previously expressed. Whether used in formal, legal, or academic contexts, "whereas" is commonly employed to emphasize differences or contrasting circumstances between two ideas, concepts, facts, or events.

   In legal or legislative contexts, "whereas" is often used to outline the foundational reasons or justifications for a proposed law or a resolution. It acts as a preamble, highlighting the whereas clauses that set the background, context, or intent behind a specific action or decision.

   Furthermore, "whereas" can also be used as a transitional word to indicate the differences or limitations of a situation or to present clauses that establish a contrast between two ideas. It directs attention to an upcoming evaluation or provides a closer examination of an existing condition or event.

   Overall, "whereas" helps to establish a logical structure within a text by introducing contrasting clauses or concepts, enhancing clarity, and allowing for a better understanding of the different aspects or perspectives being discussed.

2. When in fact or truth; the thing being so that; while on the contrary.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WHEREAS *

• wheras 85.7142857%
• whearas 4.2857142%
• wherease 2.8571428%
• wereas 2.8571428%
• wherea 2.1428571%
• wheareas 1.4285714%
• wheraes 0.7142857%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WHEREAS

• whereup
• wheares
• wheeas
• whereads
• thereasa
• hereas
• wehreas
• whreas
• whereves
• whers
• wheeras
• wheree
• wherehe
• whereva
• wereat
• whees
• rereas
• wherer
• thereas
• wherew
• weres
• whereast
• whereit
• wherewe
• whera
• wheeps
• wherers
• wherei
• theareas
• werea
• hereasy
• weras
• wheread
• Cherras
• whe4eas
• whereats
• hairak
• wherede
• Wherass
• whareats

Etymology of WHEREAS

The word "whereas" originated from Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word "hwæthwā", which was a combination of "hwæt" (meaning "what") and "hwā" (meaning "who"). The compound "hwæthwā" was used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a contrast or an exception to a previous statement. Over time, "hwæthwā" evolved into "whereas" in Middle English, merging the meanings of "what" and "who" into a more generic contrasting function. The modern usage of "whereas" as a conjunction meaning "although" or "while on the contrary" became established in English by the mid-14th century.