as
as
Pronunciation
The word "as" is a single-syllable word.
IPA phonetic spelling: /æz/
/æ/ - the "a" sound, like in "cat"
/z/ - the "s" sound, like in "zoo"
Word Form Variations
"As" does not have typical word form variations like singular/plural, verb tenses, or comparative/superlative forms because its primary uses are as a conjunction, adverb, and preposition. It is an invariable word in most contexts.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Conjunction
Definition 1: Used to indicate that something happens during the time that something else is happening.
Synonyms: while, whilst, when
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a temporal relationship)
Definition 2: Used to indicate a result or consequence; in the way that.
Synonyms: because, since, seeing that, how
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 3: Used to introduce a clause that expresses a comparison.
Synonyms: like, similar to, in the same way that
Antonyms: unlike, dissimilar to
Adverb
Definition 1: To the same extent or degree; equally. Often used in comparisons.
Synonyms: equally, so, likewise
Antonyms: unequally, differently
Definition 2: Used to indicate the function or character of a person or thing.
Synonyms: in the capacity of, in the role of, being
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Preposition
Definition 1: In the role of; being.
Synonyms: like, in the capacity of, functioning as
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859) - Here, "as" is implied in the comparison, meaning "similar to" or "like."
Newspapers:
"The city's new zoning regulations are being hailed as a major step towards sustainable urban development." (The New York Times, June 20, 2025) - Used as a preposition, meaning "in the role of" or "being."
"Inflation continues to rise as gas prices surge across the nation." (The Wall Street Journal) - Used as a conjunction, indicating that something happens during the time something else is happening, or as a consequence.
Online Publications:
"Many users are reporting issues with the latest software update, as their devices are frequently crashing." (TechCrunch) - Used as a conjunction, indicating a reason or consequence.
"Working from home has become the new normal as companies adapt to evolving work environments." (Forbes.com) - Used as a conjunction, indicating that something happens during the time something else is happening.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Movie Dialogue: "Play it again, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By'." (Casablanca, 1942) - Here, "as" is part of the song title, meaning "while" or "during the time that."
Song Lyrics: "And as I walked along, I heard a song, a sweet song." ("Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1974) - Used as a conjunction, indicating simultaneous action.
TV Show Narration: "The detective surveyed the crime scene as if he were seeing it for the first time." (Law & Order: SVU, aired episode, 2023) - Used in the phrase "as if," indicating a comparison or supposition.
Video Game Dialogue: "You must retrieve the ancient relic as quickly as possible." (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, 2011) - Used as an adverb in a comparison ("as quickly as possible") and as a conjunction to set a condition.
General Public Discourse:
"I'll meet you there as soon as I can." (Common spoken phrase) - Used as an adverb in a comparison, indicating speed or immediacy.
"She's not as tall as her brother." (Everyday conversation) - Used as an adverb in a comparison of degree.
"He works as a doctor." (Common spoken phrase) - Used as a preposition, meaning "in the role of."
"Just leave it as it is." (Common instruction) - Used as a conjunction, indicating "in the way that" or "in the state that."
10 Famous Quotes Using As
"Violence is as American as cherry pie." — H. Rap Brown
"As you think, so shall you become." — Bruce Lee
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts — as always." — Winston Churchill (paraphrased)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. As such, I am convinced..." — Franklin D. Roosevelt (Inaugural Address, 1933)
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." — Mahatma Gandhi
"As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters." — Seneca
"Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth — as strange as that may seem." — Pablo Picasso (paraphrased)
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment — as rare as it is powerful." — Ralph Waldo Emerson (extended paraphrase)
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far — as long as you mean what you say." — Theodore Roosevelt (with commentary)
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail — as only the bold dare do." — Ralph Waldo Emerson (variant form)
Etymology
The word "as" has a rich history, tracing back to very old forms of English. In simple terms, it's a shortened version of a much longer Old English word.
Imagine Old English, the language spoken before what we now call Middle English and then Modern English. The word we use today, "as," comes from the Old English word "alswā" (or "eallswā"). This word literally meant "all so" or "quite so."
Think of it like this: "all" meaning "entirely" or "completely," and "so" meaning "in that way." So, "alswā" conveyed a sense of complete similarity or equivalence, like "exactly in that way."
The first known uses of "as" (in its earlier forms) were before the 12th century. At that time, its primary meanings were already similar to how we use it today:
To indicate "likewise" or "just as": So, if you said "do alswā I do," it meant "do just as I do."
To indicate "while" or "at the same time": Like "alswā I was leaving, he arrived."
Over time, that longer "alswā" gradually got worn down and shortened. The "l" sound eventually disappeared, and the "wā" part became simply "a" or "as." This process is common in language where frequently used words become more compact for easier speaking.
So, while "as" is a tiny word now, its roots go back to a more emphatic phrase that conveyed complete similarity or simultaneity, which still forms the basis of many of its uses today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing As
As soon as possible: Indicating urgency.
As a matter of fact: In reality, actually.
As usual: In the customary or expected way.
As good as: Almost, practically.
As if: Used to express that something is unlikely or not true; sometimes used to express surprise or disbelief.
As it were: In a way, so to speak.
As far as I'm concerned: In my opinion.
As luck would have it: By chance, either good or bad.
As the crow flies: In a straight line; the shortest distance.
As white as a ghost: Extremely pale, usually from fear or illness.
As busy as a bee: Very active and hardworking.
As cool as a cucumber: Very calm and composed, especially in a stressful situation.
As clear as a bell: Very clear, easily understood.
As mad as a hatter: Completely crazy or eccentric.
As old as the hills: Very old.
As strong as an ox: Very strong.
As slow as molasses: Very slow.
As blind as a bat: Unable to see well.
As bold as brass: Very confident and often rude.
As quick as a flash: Very quickly.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of as from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
