The word "as" plays a central role in English grammar and sentence construction. As a conjunction, it is used to connect clauses, while as a preposition, it establishes relationships between different elements of a sentence. Its flexibility also extends to comparisons and showing causes, making it a crucial word in daily communication. The versatility of "as" makes it indispensable in forming complex sentences and understanding nuances in meaning. Understanding its various uses helps speakers and writers construct more precise and expressive language.
as in English
- as⇄adv. 1. to the same degree or extent; equally.
Ex. as black as coal. The two brothers are as tall as their father.
2. for example.
Ex. Some animals, as dogs and cats, eat meat. - as⇄as (1), adverb, preposition, conjunction, pronoun.
- As⇄As(no period),
1. alto-stratus.
2. arsenic (chemical element). - as⇄as(no period),
asymmetric. - AS⇄AS(no periods),
1. air-to-surface.
2. Anglo-Saxon. - as⇄expr. as ... as, to the (specified) degree or extent.
Ex. as wise as fair, as strong as ever, as soon as you can. - as⇄expr. as for, about; concerning; referring to.
Ex. As for politics, I am indifferent. - as⇄expr. as from, considered formally as dating from.
Ex. The contract shall be in effect as from this day. - as⇄expr. as good as. See under good.
- as⇄expr. as if, similar to what it would be if.
Ex. You sound as if you were angry. - as⇄expr. as is. See under is.
- as⇄expr. as it were. See under were.
- as⇄expr. as of, beginning on or at (a certain date or time).
Ex. The new contract becomes effective as of January 1st. - as⇄expr. as regards. See under regard.
- as⇄expr. as though, similar to the way it would be if.
Ex. It looks as though it might rain. - as⇄expr. as to, (before a verb) in order to.
Ex. He so behaved as to impress the entire company favorably. - as⇄expr. as to, about; concerning; referring to.
Ex. I'd like a cat, and I have no preference as to its color. - as⇄expr. as well as. See under well (1).
- as⇄expr. as well. See under well (1).
- as⇄expr. as yet. See under yet.
- as⇄expr. so as (to). See under so (1).
- as⇄expr. such as. See under such.
- as⇄prep. 1. doing the work of; in the character or role of.
Ex. The student acted as teacher. The actor appeared as Macbeth.
2. in the manner of; like.
Ex. They treat him as an equal. Will you fight as men, or die as slaves?
conj. 1.
as in Sindhi سنڌي
as in Tamil தமிழ்
As
Part of Speech
Conjunction, Preposition, Adverb
Pronunciation
/æz/
Definitions
- Used to indicate a comparison between two things: "She is as tall as he is."
- Used to refer to the role or function of someone or something: "He works as a teacher."
- Used to show the reason or cause: "As it was raining, we stayed inside."
- Used to describe the manner in which something is done: "He sings as a professional."
Usage Examples
- He is as intelligent as his sister.
- She sings as beautifully as a bird.
- He worked as a lawyer for several years.
Etymology
The word "as" comes from Old English "alswa," which means "in the same way," or "just as." It is related to the Proto-Germanic *alswō, which is derived from Proto-Indo-European *h₁él-swo. Over time, the word evolved into its current form in modern English, where it serves multiple grammatical functions, including conjunction, preposition, and adverb.
Synonyms
- Like
- As if
- In the same way as
Antonyms
- Unlike
- Different from
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | كما | Kama |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 像 | Xiàng |
| French | Comme | Kom |
| German | Wie | Vee |
| Spanish | Como | Ko-mo |
| Russian | Как | Kak |
| Hindi | जैसा | Jaisa |
| Bengali | যেমন | Jemon |
| Tamil | போல் | Pol |
| Japanese | のように | No yō ni |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /æz/
- American English: /æz/
- Indian English: /æz/
Historical Usage
The word "as" has been used in the English language since Old English, where it was used both as a conjunction and preposition. Its usage has remained relatively consistent throughout the centuries, with only slight modifications in its grammatical functions. It has always been essential in linking clauses, indicating comparison, and showing cause or manner in English sentences.
Cultural Nuances
The word "as" is used frequently in idiomatic expressions across various cultures. In English, "as if" and "as though" are common expressions that indicate hypothetical or unreal situations, while "as a matter of fact" expresses emphasis on a statement's truth. Its flexible use in sentences contributes to its widespread application in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to bridge ideas and enhance communication.