Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

as

- definition

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

adverb, conjunction, preposition strong American English pronunciation: as

/æz/ weak American English pronunciation: as

/əz/

As can be used in the following ways:

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): As I was leaving, the phone rang. ♦ The results were not as bad as I had expected.

as a preposition (followed by a noun): He works as a waiter.

as an adverb (followed by an adjective, an adverb, or a word such as "much" or "many"): Nylon is cheaper than leather, and it's just as strong.

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

more dictionary definitions

1
used for showing comparison
1. a.
  used for comparing one person, thing, or situation with another
  as...as:
  Simon isn't as tall as his brother.
  I don't play football as much as I used to.
  I can't run as fast as you.
  just as:
  We all need regular exercise, but a healthy diet is just as important.
  half/twice/three times etc. as much:
  A house in San Francisco costs twice as much as a similar house in some nearby cities.
  the same as:
  Barbara's suggestion was almost exactly the same as mine.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
2. b.
  used in particular expressions for emphasizing a quality in someone or something
  Her skin was white as snow.
  He's as tough as nails.
See also less
2
spoken used for mentioning that something is already known or has already been talked about
As I was saying, we expect next year to be a good year.
As everyone knows, the farming industry is in serious difficulties.
3
used for saying that something happens or is done in the same way
I invested the money as you suggested.
Leave everything just as you found it.
as usual:
Judith was late, as usual.
4
used for referring to what someone or something does or how they appear
As chief executive, I am expected to provide effective leadership.
a portrait of the actor as a child
An electric drill can also be used as a screwdriver.
5
used for saying that someone or something is considered or described in a particular way
Van Dyck was regarded as the greatest painter of his time.
The result of the vote is being seen as a personal victory for the Prime Minister.
as being/having:
Madeira is described as having the best climate in the world.
6
used for saying that something happens at the same time as something else
As we were sitting down to dinner, the phone rang.
just as:
We got to the check-in desk just as they were about to close.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
7
used for giving the reason for something
As it was getting late, we decided to go home.
We chose Doug to lead us as he said he knew the way.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
8
used after an adjective or adverb to mean that something is true despite what you are saying
Strange as it may seem, I never really wanted to be rich.
Much as I sympathize with your difficulties, there is little I can do to help you.

phrases

as...as usual/possible/necessary/expected
equal to the amount or level that is usual/possible/necessary/expected
There were twice as many visitors as usual last weekend.
Our goal is to collect as much information as possible.
The damage wasn't quite as bad as expected.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as for
used for introducing a subject that is related to what you have just been talking about
As for the children, they were happy enough to spend all day on the beach.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as if
1. 1
  in such a way that something seems to be true
  It looks as if it's going to rain.
  Jack smiled as though he was enjoying a private joke.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
2. 2
  used when you are describing something and you imagine an explanation for it that you know is not the real one
  The house was in such a mess – it looked as though a bomb had dropped on it.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
3. 3
  spoken used for emphasizing that something is not true or is not important
  "Don't get lost or anything, will you?" "As if I would – I'm not stupid."
  Why was he worrying about the interview? – As if it mattered anyway!
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as is
in the original condition, including any faults or problems
We've agreed to take the house as is.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as is/does/has etc. someone
formal
used for saying that someone or something else is the same/does the same thing/has done the same thing etc.
Frank is a fine athlete, as was his father before him.
I take the subway to work every day, as do most of the people in my office.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as it is
already
I don't want to hear any more complaints. I've got enough problems as it is.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as it is/as it turns out
used for saying what the situation really is when something different might have happened
They said the repairs would cost around $20,000, but, as it turns out, the final bill will be twice that amount.
He was expecting to have completed his training by now. As it is, he's only halfway through it.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as it were
used for making a description sound less definite or less exact
Mandela became, as it were, the father of the nation.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as of
used for saying that something will start to happen on a particular day, and will continue after that day
As of April 6, all applicants must complete both forms.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as soon as
immediately after something has happened
I'm ready to go out as soon as it stops raining.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
as to
formal
concerning someone or something
There is some doubt as to whether the information is totally accurate.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
it's not as if...
spoken
used for saying that something is not true and therefore it cannot be the explanation for someone's behavior
I can't understand why he disapproves of me. It's not as if I've done anything wrong.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

More BuzzWords

BuzzWord archive

Word of the Day

higgledy-piggledy

mixed together in a way that is not planned, organized, or tidy

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

More submissions

view entries

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog

Did you know?

as

What are red words?

Thesaurus

Related dictionary definitions

phrases

as...as usual/possible/necessary/expected

as for

as if

as is

as is/does/has etc. someone

as it is

as it is/as it turns out

as it were

as of

as soon as

as to

it's not as if...

cyberloafing

Word of the Day

higgledy-piggledy

show a bit of ankle