- As it were
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
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. [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,''
Note: 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
