as

1. 1
   being (role)preposition

   Being or acting as something, or used for something, as in she works as a nurse.

   We use the old garage as a place to play music.

   The money came as a loan, not a gift.

   UsageCompare she works as a nurse (her job) with she works like a nurse (how she works).

2. 2
   same extentadverb

   Used before an adjective or adverb to say two things are equal in some way.

   Tom is tall, and his little sister is just as tall.

   This jacket is nice, but the blue one is twice as expensive.

   UsageSay as big as, as fast as to compare two equal things.

   Similarso, equally

   Note
3. 3
   becauseconjunction

   Used to give the reason for something, meaning 'because'.

   As it was raining, we ate our picnic in the car.

   We left early, as the roads were icy.

   UsageIf as could mean when, use because to make the reason clear.

   Similarbecause, since, for

   Note
4. 4
   when (time)conjunction

   While or when something happens, as in 'I read the paper as I waited'.

   My dad sings in the car as he drives to work.

   She hummed as she worked.

   Similarwhile, when

   Note
5. 5
   conjunction

   In the way that, or like, and also used to add a comment, as in 'as you know'.

   Do as I say, not as I do.

   The train was late again, as usual, so I missed my class.

   UsageCommon phrases include as if and as usual: she acts as if she owns the place.

   Similarlike

   Note
6. 6
   same extentpreposition

   Used before a noun or pronoun to name what something is compared with.

   My new puppy is already as heavy as a small bag of rice.

   After the long hike, my feet felt as heavy as rocks.

   UsageSay as tall as me or as tall as I am.

7. 7
   conjunction

   Used after same or such to mean that or which.

   She ordered the same pizza as her brother did.

   Take such books as you need for the trip, and leave the rest here.

   UsageUse the same + noun + as: the same jacket as I wore yesterday.

   Note
8. 8
   conjunction

   Used after 'as' or 'so' to name the thing being compared with.

   My grandpa doesn't walk so fast as he did last year.

   The test was not as hard as I thought it would be.

   UsageYou can say not so tall as or not as tall as.

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 18