adverbconjunction
gleichsam
as it were
Das bedeutet: auf ähnliche Art oder gewissermaßen so.
The German word "gleichsam" is an adverb meaning "as it were," "so to speak," or "virtually."
- It combines "gleich" (meaning like or equal) and "sam" (a suffix suggesting in a manner of).
- It’s used to indicate that something is being expressed figuratively or approximately.
Similar words/phrases:
- "sozusagen" (so to speak)
- "gewissermaßen" (in a way)
- "quasi" (virtually, quasi-)
Difference:
While "gleichsam" and "sozusagen" are often interchangeable, "gleichsam" tends to be a bit more formal or literary. "Quasi" emphasizes approximation or resemblance more directly.
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Examples
Er sprach, gleichsam ohne zu atmen.adverb
He spoke, as it were, without breathing.
Die alten Bilder wirkten gleichsam lebendig auf die Besucher.adverb
The old pictures seemed as it were alive to the visitors.
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