As Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👤
as
[əz ]
Definitions
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.
|
in the capacity of |
Used in formal situations to denote the role or position someone holds typically in a legal or professional context.
|
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'.
|
Examples of usage
- He works as a teacher at the local school.
- She serves as the director of the company.
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'.
|
while |
Used to indicate two actions happening at the same time, or to contrast two different situations.
|
in contrast to |
Used to highlight differences between two things, often to compare different states, qualities, or facts.
|
Examples of usage
- She is tall, as her mother is.
- He enjoys swimming, as opposed to jogging.
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.
|
in the capacity of |
Used in formal or professional settings to describe someone's official role or function.
|
in the role of |
Used to describe the function or part played by someone, often in an organization or in a specific situation.
|
Examples of usage
- He earns his living as a musician.
- She is known as a talented artist.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'as'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'as' has a long history and can be traced back to Old English. It has evolved over time to serve various functions in the English language. The versatility of 'as' allows it to be used in different contexts, from indicating a comparison to specifying a role or function. Its usage is fundamental in connecting ideas and conveying relationships between different parts of a sentence.