as

Universal Words preposition, adverb, conjunction preposition 1 used to describe sb/sth appearing to be sb/sth else: They were all dressed as clowns. * The bomb was disguised as a package. 2 used to describe the fact that sb/sth has a particular job or function: She works as a courier. * Treat me as a friend. * I respect him as a doctor. * You can use that glass as a vase. * The news came as a shock. * She had been there often as a child (= when she was a child). adverb 1 as...as... used when you are comparing two people or things, or two situations: You're as tall as your father. * He was as white as a sheet. * She doesn't play as well as her sister. * I haven't known him as long as you (= as you have known him). * He doesn't earn as much as me. * He doesn't earn as much as I do. * It's not as hard as I thought. * Run as fast as you can. * We'd like it as soon as possible. 2 used to say that sth happens in the same way: As always, he said little. * The 'h' in honest is silent, as in 'hour'. conjunction 1 while sth else is happening: He sat watching her as she got ready. * As she grew older she gained in confidence. 2 in the way in which: They did as I had asked. * Leave the papers as they are. * She lost it, just as I said she would. 3 used to state the reason for sth: As you were out, I left a message. * She may need some help as she's new. 4 used to make a comment or to add information about what you have just said: As you know, Julia is leaving soon. * She's very tall, as is her mother. 5 (written) used to say that in spite of sth being true, what follows is also true SYNTHOUGH: Happy as they were, there was something missing. * Try as he might (= however hard he tried), he couldn't open the door. IDIOMS as against sth in contrast with sth: They got 27% of the vote as against 32% at the last election. as and when used to say that sth may happen at some time in the future, but only when sth else has happened: We'll decide on the team as and when we qualify. * I'll tell you more as and when (= as soon as I can). as for sb/sth used to start talking about sb/sth SYNREGARDING: As for Jo, she's doing fine. * As for food for the party, that's all being taken care of. as from... / as of... used to show the time or date from which sth starts: Our fax number is changing as from May 12. as if / as though in a way that suggests sth: He behaved as if nothing had happened. * It sounds as though you had a good time. * It's my birthday. As if you didn't know! * 'Don't say anything' 'As if I would!' (= surely you do not expect me to) as it is considering the present situation; as things are: We were hoping to finish it by next week-as it is, it may be the week after. * I can't help-I've got too much to do as it is (= already). as it were used when a speaker is giving his or her own impression of a situation or expressing sth in a particular way: Teachers must put the brakes on, as it were, when they notice students looking puzzled. as to sth