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Definition of whereby

whereby

/wɛrˈbaɪ/
where · by
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whereby Lexical Profile

whereby Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

By which; through which; in accordance with which (used as a relative adverb to introduce a clause describing a method, process, or agreement).

Example

"The university established a new scholarship program whereby underprivileged students receive full tuition coverage."

2

By what means; how (archaic, used as an interrogative adverb).

Example

"Whereby shall we know that the messenger speaks the truth?"

Synonyms
View all synonyms for whereby

• conjunction

1

By or through which; according to which (linking a noun or clause of means or arrangement to its result).

Example

"Both nations signed a bilateral treaty whereby trade tariffs will be gradually eliminated over five years."

Word Nuance & Usage

'Whereby' is primarily restricted to formal, legal, or academic contexts; in everyday conversation, phrases such as 'by which' or 'through which' are much more natural.

• Rhymes for whereby

• Nearby Words

where
whereabouts
whereas
whereby
wherefore
wherein
whereof

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'where' (from Old English 'hwær') and 'by' (from Old English 'bi'), following an older Germanic pattern of combining interrogative adverbs with prepositions.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whereby. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whereby
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