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.
His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved
his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay.
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.
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. --Shak.
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.
[See Synonym under Because.]
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. [Obs.]
I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall
never find thee. --Rowe.
So as, so that. [Obs.]
The relations are so uncertain as they require a
great deal of examination. --Bacon.
7. As if; as though. [Obs. 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. [Obs. & R.]
The king was not more forward to bestow favors on
them as they free to deal affronts to others their
superiors. --Fuller.
10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.]
``As have,''
Note: i. e., may he have. --Chaucer.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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