Origin and history of whereas

c. 1200, worn-down form of Old English alswa "quite so, wholly so," literally "all so" (see also), fully established by c. 1400. Equivalent to so; any distinction in use is purely idiomatic. Related to German als "as, than," from Middle High German also.

Phrase as well "just as much" is recorded from late 15c.; the phrase also can imply "as well as not," "as well as anything else." Phrase as if, in Kantian metaphysics (translating German als ob), introducing a supposition not to be taken literally, is from 1892; as an interjection of incredulity (as if!; i.e. "as if that really could happen") is attested from 1995. It duplicates Latin quasi. Phrase as it were "as if it were so" is attested from late 14c.

"at or in any place, anywhere," Middle English wher, from Old English hwær, hwar "at or in what place," from Proto-Germanic adverb *hwar (source also of Old Saxon hwar, Old Norse hvar, Old Frisian hwer, Middle Dutch waer, Old High German hwar, German wo, Gothic hvar "where"), equivalent to Latin cur, from PIE root *kwo-, stem of relative and interrogative pronouns.

Where it's at attested from 1903 as "true or essential nature;" by 1971 as "place of central activity."

It has figured in a great many prepositional and adverbial compounds through the years; in addition to the entries given (whereas, wherefore, whereabouts, etc.) English has or had whereagainst, wherehence, whereinsoever, whereinto, wheremid, whereout, whereover, wheresoever, whereunder, and whereuntil, wherewhile.