as of

I was looking at the definition of the word 'Pathos' at www.answers.com

The site states the definition as the following:

1. A quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow.

2. The feeling, as of sympathy or pity, so aroused.

Now I have seen 'as of' often enough to develop a foggy understanding of it but I don't think I know it well enough to use it my own sentence. Well I can't even say I have a foggy understanding, as I had to take out 'as of an experience or a work of art' part in definition no.1 to clearly understand the sentence. Could you explain 'as of' in detail? Thank you.

Hello Harakiriblade,:-)

I do not have an official reply from a grammar reference book. However, when I see "as of" used in this manner, I would replace it with "as in" or "like".

1. A quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow.
A quality, like an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness or sorrow.

2. The feeling, as of sympathy or pity, so aroused.
The feeling, like sympathy or pity, so aroused.

I hope this helps, and I look forward to more responses!

Smiles,:usa
Sweet Momma Sue 8-)