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As it were   /æz ɪt wər/   Listen
adverb
as  adv., conj.  
1.
Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden. "His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren." Note: As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as you please, and so long as you please, or as long as you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as possible. "Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same colors as we do." As, in a preceding part of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively to it; as with the people, so with the priest.
2.
In the idea, character, or condition of, limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet. "The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king."
3.
While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke. "As I return I will fetch off these justices."
4.
Because; since; it being the case that. "As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms... they were not indifferently prepared." (See Synonym under Because.)
5.
Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning). "We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited."
6.
That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such. (Obs.) "I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee."
So as, so that. (Obs.) "The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination."
7.
As if; as though. (Obs. or Poetic) "He lies, as he his bliss did know."
8.
For instance; by way of example; thus; used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
9.
Than. (Obs. & R.) "The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors."
10.
Expressing a wish. (Obs.) "As have," Note: i. e., may he have.
As... as. See So... as, under So.
As far as, to the extent or degree. "As far as can be ascertained."
As far forth as, as far as. (Obs.)
As for, or As to, in regard to; with respect to.
As good as, not less than; not falling short of.
As good as one's word, faithful to a promise.
As if, or As though, of the same kind, or in the same condition or manner, that it would be if.
As it were (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner.
As now, just now. (Obs.)
As swythe, as quickly as possible. (Obs.)
As well, also; too; besides.
As well as, equally with, no less than. "I have understanding as well as you."
As yet, until now; up to or at the present time; still; now.






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"As it were" Quotes from Famous Books



... other man slept with the abandon of tired animals, and the sound of their sleeping somewhat disturbed the poetry of the night. On the whole, however, he preferred them sleeping to waking. He sent his thoughts, on tiptoe, as it were, across the room. How exquisite she was, with her slim bare feet, and the hint of a chaste little ruffle showing at throat and wrist! Those drowsy, dewy eyes—the fluttering pulse in her soft throat—her clinging lips, which ...
— Kildares of Storm • Eleanor Mercein Kelly

... got something out of her, either indirectly or as a downright gift. In reprisals, as it were, of her youth the old actress was pillaged; so discreetly pillaged, however, that those who throve upon her kept their depredations within certain limits lest even her eyes might be opened and she should sell Les Aigues and ...
— Sons of the Soil • Honore de Balzac

... opinions counted for so much in his world, had their say in the daily press and weekly reviews, Bertram knew how surely indeed he had won. And when he read that "Henshaw's work shows now a peculiar strength, a sort of reserve power, as it were, which, beautiful as was his former work, it never showed before," he smiled grimly, and ...
— Miss Billy Married • Eleanor H. Porter

... lodgings, and left them to bury the body when they thought proper, and retired to a lodging at a private gentleman's house, about a mile from The Hague. I was now resolved to find out Amy, being, as it were, at liberty; and accordingly went to the house where she had lived, and finding that empty, inquired for her among the neighbours, who gave various accounts of what had become of her; but one of them had a direction left at his house where she might be found. I ...
— The Fortunate Mistress (Parts 1 and 2) • Daniel Defoe

... you that there is an excess of romantic sentiment in his character; and that kind of thing is apt to become exaggerated into eccentricity or foolishness. I suppose he can't help it, living so much within himself, as it were." ...
— Viking Boys • Jessie Margaret Edmondston Saxby


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