as it were

phrase

: as if it were so : in a manner of speaking

His retirement was, as it were, the beginning of his real career.

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of as it were was in the 12th century

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Style

“As it were.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/as%20it%20were. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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as it were

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