as if

idiom · idiom

4 meanings of as if

1
how it seemsidiom
Used to say how someone or something seems, or what a way of acting makes you think.
The dog looked at me as if it wanted a treat.
You sound as if you have a bad cold.
Similarlike
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2
short replyidiom
Said by itself to show you think something is very unlikely.
"Maybe the teacher will cancel the test." "As if!"
He's going to say sorry to you? As if!
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3
would neveridiom
Used before an idea to say it is very unlikely, or that you would never do it.
As if I would tell your secret to anyone!
As if it's going to stop raining before the game!
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4
acting outidiom
Used to say what someone is copying or acting out on purpose.
He flapped his arms as if he were a bird, and the kids laughed.
She held her nose as if something smelled bad, just to tease her brother.

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It comes from Old English and is simply as + if.