adv. & conj. [ OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa, AS. eal swā, lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf. G. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king. Dewey. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke. [ 1913 Webster ] As I return I will fetch off these justices. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Because; since; it being the case that. [ 1913 Webster ] As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ] [ See Synonym under Because. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning). [ 1913 Webster ] We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]
So as, so that. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
7. As if; as though. [ Obs. or Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ] He lies, as he his bliss did know. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. Than. [ Obs. & R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ] 10. Expressing a wish. [ Obs. ] “As have, ” i. e., may he have. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ Obs. ] 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 (as if 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. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. --
As swythe, as quickly as possible. [ Obs. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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