from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
as \as\ ([a^]z), adv. & conj. [OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa,
AS. eal sw[=a], 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.
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His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved
his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay.
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Note: 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.
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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.
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The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man
merely as a king. --Dewey.
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3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he
trembled as he spoke.
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As I return I will fetch off these justices. --Shak.
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4. Because; since; it being the case that.
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As the population of Scotland had been generally
trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently
prepared. --Sir W.
Scott.
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5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in
meaning).
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We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the
interest, transient as it may be, which this work
has excited. --Macaulay.
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6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence,
after the correlatives so and such. [Obs.]
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I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall
never find thee. --Rowe.
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{So as}, so that. [Obs.]
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The relations are so uncertain as they require a
great deal of examination. --Bacon.
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7. As if; as though. [Obs. or Poetic]
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He lies, as he his bliss did know. --Waller.
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8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to
introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
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9. Than. [Obs. & R.]
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The king was not more forward to bestow favors on
them as they free to deal affronts to others their
superiors. --Fuller.
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10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.] "As have,"
Note: i. e., may he have. --Chaucer.
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{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.
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