as1

Syllabification: (as)

Pronunciation: /az/

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Definition of as

adverb

(usually as —— as)

used in comparisons to refer to the extent or degree of something:hailstones as big as tennis balls go as fast as you can it tasted like grape juice but not as sweet
used to emphasize an amount:as many as twenty-two rare species may be at risk

conjunction

1used to indicate that something happens during the time when something is taking place:Frank watched him as he ambled through the crowd as she grew older, she kept more to herself

2used to indicate by comparison the way that something happens or is done:dress as you would if you were having guests they can do as they wish [as adverb]:she kissed him goodbye, as usual as in the past, a collection is to be taken
used to add or interject a comment relating to the statement of a fact:as you can see, I didn’t go after all he has, as you know, called for a referendum

3because; since:I must stop now as I have to go out

4even though:sweet as he is, he doesn’t pay his bills try as he might, he failed to pull it off

preposition

1used to refer to the function or character that someone or something has:he got a job as a cook they were treated as foreigners it came as a shock as a dairy producer, you should evaluate and analyze your farm from many viewpoints

2during the time of being (the thing specified):he had often been sick as a child as a student, my nickname was Space

Phrases

as and when: at the time when (used to refer to an uncertain future event):they deal with an issue as and when it rears its head
as for: with regard to:as for you, you’d better be quick
as if (or as though): as would be the case if:she behaved as if he weren’t there
as if!: informal I very much doubt it:You know how lottery winners always say it won’t change their lives? Yeah, as if!
as (it) is: in the existing circumstances:I’ve got enough on my plate as it is
as it were: in a way (used to be less precise):areas that have been, as it were, pushed aside
as long as: see long¹.
as much: see much.
as of: used to indicate the time or date from which something starts:as of January 1, a free market will be created I’m on unemployment as of today
as per: see per.
as such: see such.
as though: see as if above.
as to: with respect to; concerning:decisions as to which patients receive treatment
as well: see well¹.
as yet: [usually with negative] until now or a particular time in the past:the damage is as yet undetermined

Origin:

Middle English: reduced form of Old English alswā 'similarly'(see also)

1 A small, seemingly innocent word, as is so frequently misused (or not used where needed) that interested writers are advised to consult a full-length usage guide for counsel on its proper use. As is often used in causal senses in place of because or since (As Julie wasn’t hungry, she ordered only a cup of coffee); in such constructions, where as may cause confusion, it is generally advisable to use the unambiguous because, or since. 2 On whether it is more correct to say he’s not as shy as I rather than he’s not as shy as me, or I live in the same street as she rather than I live in the same street as her, see personal pronoun (usage). 3 For a discussion of when to use as rather than like, see like¹ (usage).

Grammar

A word that can be used in three main ways:Subordinating conjunctionIt can introduce a number of different types of adverbial clause: TimeAs the train drew into Grand Central, Louie nudged his sleeping sister. ReasonAs these are fast-drying, the application technique is slightly different. MannerThe talk that night was about experiments carried out to explain why people behaved as they did. CommentThat, as I understand it, is the law. The most common of these four uses are the first two; in them as can mean ‘while’ or ‘because’. Occasionally this can cause confusion if a sentence is carelessly constructed. For example:I left the farm as it was getting late. Does this mean whenit was getting late, or becauseit was getting late?PrepositionShould I get a job as a bartender? AdverbIt can also be used as an adverb in comparisons:He’s as happy as a kid in a candy store.

as in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of as in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

as1

adverb

conjunction

preposition

Phrases

as and when

as for

as if (or as though)

as if!

as (it) is

as it were

as long as

as much

as of

as per

as such

as though

as to

as well

as yet

Origin:

Grammar

as in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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