Definition as
Etymology 1
From Middle English as, als(a), alswa, from Old English eallswā (“just so; as”), thus representing a reduced form of also. Compare German Low German as, German als, Dutch als.
Adverb
as (not comparable)
- To such an extent or degree; to the same extent or degree.
- In the manner or role (specified).
- Considered to be, in relation to something else; in the relation (specified).
- (dated) For example; for instance. (Compare such as.)
Conjunction
as
- In the (same) way or manner that; to the (same) degree that.
- Used after so or with instance of as to introduce a comparison.
- Used to introduce a result: with the result that it is.
- Expressing concession: though.
- At the time that; during the time when:
- At the same instant or moment that: when.
- At the same time that, during the same time when: while.
- Varying through time in the same proportion that.
- Being that, considering that, because, since.
- (dated) Introducing a comparison with a hypothetical state (+ subjunctive, or with the verb elided): as though, as if. [to 19th century]
- Functioning as a relative conjunction, and sometimes like a relative pronoun: that, which, who. (See usage notes.) [from 14th c.]
- (rare, now England, Midland US and Southern US, possibly obsolete) Than.
Preposition
as
- Introducing a basis of comparison, with an object in the objective case.
- In the role of.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Latin as. Doublet of ace.
Noun
as (plural ases or asses)
- (unit of weight) A libra.
- Any of several coins of Rome, coined in bronze or later copper; or the equivalent value.
Etymology 3
a + -s.
Noun
as
- plural of a
Etymology 4
Shortening of as hell or as fuck.
Contraction
as
- (slang) As hell or as fuck; very much; extremely.