C1adverbformalacademic
US/werˈbaɪ/
UK/weəˈbaɪ/
by which; through which, used to explain how a system or process works
In context
The university has a system whereby students can borrow laptops for free.
Photosynthesis is the process whereby plants turn sunlight into chemical energy.
They reached an agreement whereby each school would share its science labs.
Words that go with whereby
noun + preposition
- process wherebyLearning is a process whereby experience changes behavior.
- system wherebyFinland uses a system whereby teachers design their own tests.
- arrangement wherebyThere is an arrangement whereby staff can study part-time.
- mechanism wherebyScientists still do not know the mechanism whereby the drug works.
- scheme wherebyThe city runs a scheme whereby retired teachers tutor children.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This is the town whereby I was born.Correct: This is the town where I was born.