As: meaning, definitions and examples

👤

Add to dictionary

[əz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in the role of

Used when mentioning someone's job or position.

Synonyms

in the capacity of, in the position of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
as	Used to indicate a role, function, or status. This can be an introduction to a specific role someone has or a comparison to show similarity. She works as a teacher He is regarded as a leader
in the capacity of	Used in formal situations to denote the role or position someone holds typically in a legal or professional context. She was hired in the capacity of a project manager In the capacity of a consultant, he offered valuable advice
in the position of	Used to specify someone's specific job title or role within an organization or group. Usually more formal and specific than 'as'. He was appointed in the position of CEO She serves in the position of team leader

Word

Description / Examples

Used to indicate a role, function, or status. This can be an introduction to a specific role someone has or a comparison to show similarity.

She works as a teacher
He is regarded as a leader

in the capacity of

Used in formal situations to denote the role or position someone holds typically in a legal or professional context.

She was hired in the capacity of a project manager
In the capacity of a consultant, he offered valuable advice

in the position of

Used to specify someone's specific job title or role within an organization or group. Usually more formal and specific than 'as'.

He was appointed in the position of CEO
She serves in the position of team leader

Examples of usage

He works as a teacher at the local school.
She serves as the director of the company.

^{Context #2 | Conjunction}

while considering

Used to indicate a comparison or contrast.

Synonyms

in contrast to, while.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
as	Used to make comparisons based on degree or manner, usually paired with another 'as'. She is as tall as her brother. He ran as fast as he could.
while	Used to indicate two actions happening at the same time, or to contrast two different situations. She was reading while he was cooking. While it is raining here, it is sunny in their hometown.
in contrast to	Used to highlight differences between two things, often to compare different states, qualities, or facts. In contrast to his brother, John is very shy. This car is very spacious in contrast to the previous model.

Word

Description / Examples

Used to make comparisons based on degree or manner, usually paired with another 'as'.

She is as tall as her brother.
He ran as fast as he could.

while

Used to indicate two actions happening at the same time, or to contrast two different situations.

She was reading while he was cooking.
While it is raining here, it is sunny in their hometown.

in contrast to

Used to highlight differences between two things, often to compare different states, qualities, or facts.

In contrast to his brother, John is very shy.
This car is very spacious in contrast to the previous model.

Examples of usage

She is tall, as her mother is.
He enjoys swimming, as opposed to jogging.

^{Context #3 | Preposition}

in the role of

Used with a job or function to indicate the person or thing that someone or something is acting as or that is being considered.

Synonyms

in the capacity of, in the role of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
as	Used for making comparisons or expressing the role or function of someone/something. She works as a teacher He is as tall as his brother
in the capacity of	Used in formal or professional settings to describe someone's official role or function. He attended the conference in the capacity of a professor She was there in the capacity of a consultant
in the role of	Used to describe the function or part played by someone, often in an organization or in a specific situation. She excels in the role of project manager He was cast in the role of Romeo

Word

Description / Examples

Used for making comparisons or expressing the role or function of someone/something.

She works as a teacher
He is as tall as his brother

in the capacity of

Used in formal or professional settings to describe someone's official role or function.

He attended the conference in the capacity of a professor
She was there in the capacity of a consultant

in the role of

Used to describe the function or part played by someone, often in an organization or in a specific situation.

She excels in the role of project manager
He was cast in the role of Romeo

Examples of usage

He earns his living as a musician.
She is known as a talented artist.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from Old English 'æs', which was a conjunction meaning 'as' or 'like'.
Related to various Germanic languages, showing its long-standing role in European languages.
In Latin, a similar term 'sicut' has influenced how we express comparisons in Romance languages.

Grammar

'As' is often used in similes, like 'as brave as a lion', to make comparisons more vivid.
In comparative statements, it helps set a standard, for instance, 'He runs as fast as she does.'
This word can also function as a conjunction, linking two clauses in a way that shows a relationship.

Literature

It's famously used in poetry for its ability to create rhythm and connections between ideas.
Many literary works utilize 'as' for building metaphors, enhancing imagery and depth in the narrative.
The word's versatility in phrases allows authors to convey complex ideas succinctly.

Cultural Usage

'As' is prevalent in phrases and idioms across many cultures, such as 'as you sow, so shall you reap.'
It plays a crucial role in proverbs, reflecting shared wisdom in a way that resonates across communities.
Cultural comparisons often use 'as' to draw parallels between different customs or practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "as" in other languages:

🇵🇹 como

enquanto
assim

🇮🇳 जैसा

के रूप में
जबकि

🇩🇪 wie

als
während

🇮🇩 seperti

sebagai
saat

🇺🇦 як

у якості
поки

🇵🇱 jak

jako
podczas

🇯🇵 のように

として
の間

🇫🇷 comme

en tant que
pendant que

🇪🇸 como

en calidad de
mientras

🇹🇷 gibi

olarak
iken

🇰🇷 처럼

로서
동안

🇸🇦 كما

كـ
بينما

🇨🇿 jako

jako
zatímco

🇸🇰 ako

ako
zatiaľ čo

🇨🇳 像

作为
当

🇸🇮 kot

kot
medtem ko

🇮🇸 eins og

sem
á meðan

🇰🇿 сияқты

ретінде
кезінде

🇬🇪 როგორც

როგორც
როდესაც

🇦🇿 kimi

kimi
zaman

🇲🇽 como

en calidad de
mientras