This preposition establishes similarity or conformity between two things. It appears in comparisons ('strong as a lion'), in expressions of manner ('do according to the law'), and in approximate measurements ('about a hundred'). Prophetic literature uses it for similes—'like sheep without a shepherd,' 'as a father pities his children.' Legal texts employ it for conformity to standards. The particle can mean 'approximately,' 'in the manner of,' 'in proportion to,' or simply 'like,' making context essential for precise translation.