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as

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adverb, conjunction, preposition  strong British English pronunciation: as /æz/  weak British 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
  1. 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 London costs twice as much as a similar house in Liverpool.

      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.

      as tough as old boots

    See also  less
  2. 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. 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. 4
    used for referring to what someone or something does or how they appear

    As managing director, I am expected to provide effective leadership.

    a portrait of the princess as a child

    An electric drill can also be used as a screwdriver.

  5. 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. 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. 7
    used for giving the reason for something

    As it was getting late, we decided to go home.

    We chose Calvert to lead us as he said he knew the way.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of as
  8. 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

This is the British English definition of as. View American English definition of as.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

 

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