SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

as it is

Definition of as it is

1 :in the present condition :the way it is

Leave everything exactly/just as it is.

2 :with the situation that exists now

We have enough to do as it is without your latest orders!

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up as it is? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

broadside

play

a strongly worded attack

Words at Play

10 Uncommon Words for 'Drunkard'

Tosspots, stewbums, and all the rest

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'Meat Sweats': The Cookout's Worst Nightmare

They're real, but is meat the cause?

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'Diffuse' vs. 'Defuse'

Let us defuse the situation.

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game