as (az) , adverb and conjunction
[Old English as, als, alse, also, al swa, Anglo-Saxon eal swā, lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: compare German als as, than, also so, then. See Also.]
1.
Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be
as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap
as you sow; do
as you are bidden.
His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren. — Macaulay
As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as you please, and so long as you please, or as long as you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as possible. “Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same colors as we do.” Lubbock. As, in a preceding part of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively to it; as with the people, so with the priest.
2.
In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered
as virtue; this actor will appear
as Hamlet.
The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king. — Dewey
3.
While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled
as he spoke.
As I return I will fetch off these justices. — Shakespeare
4.
Because; since; it being the case that.
As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms... they were not indifferently prepared. — Sir W. Scott
5.
Expressing concession. (Often approaching
though in meaning).
We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited. — Macaulay
6.
That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives
so and
such.
[Obsolete] I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee. — Rowe
The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination. — Bacon
7.
As if; as though.
[Obsolete or Poetic] He lies, as he his bliss did know. — Waller
8.
For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
9.
Than.
[Obsolete & Rare] The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors. — Fuller
i. e., may he have.
10.
Expressing a wish.
[Obsolete] As have, — Chaucer
Collocations (13)
As.. as , See So.. as, under So. As far as , to the extent or degree. As far as can be ascertained. — Macaulay
As far forth as , as far as. [Obsolete] — Chaucer
As for or As to , in regard to; with respect to.
As good as , not less than; not falling short of.
As good as one's word , faithful to a promise.
As if or As though , of the same kind, or in the same condition or manner, that it would be if.
As it were , a qualifying phrase used to apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner.
As now , just now. [Obsolete] — Chaucer
As swythe , as quickly as possible. [Obsolete] — Chaucer
As well , also; too; besides. — Addison
As well as , equally with, no less than. I have understanding as well as you. — Job xii. 3
As yet , until now; up to or at the present time; still; now.