as it were / likewise
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as it were
Used to introduce a comparison or figurative description; means something like 'in a sense' or 'so to speak'.
Nach dem langen Regen war der Garten gleichsam ein kleiner See.
After the long rain, the garden was, as it were, a small lake.
likewise
Expresses that something applies at the same time or in the same way; means something like 'at the same time' or 'also'.
Er war ihr Mentor und gleichsam ihr bester Freund.
He was her mentor and likewise her best friend.
'Gleichsam' (as it were / likewise) is a word of elevated written language. It is used only very rarely in everyday spoken language.
Die Stille nach dem Sturm war gleichsam unheimlich.
The silence after the storm was, as it were, eerie.
The word is made up of 'gleich' (same/equal) and the ending '-sam'. It expresses that something happens or is 'in the same way' or 'in a similar manner'.
Er schwebte gleichsam über die Bühne.
He floated, as it were, across the stage.
As an adverb, 'gleichsam' (as it were / likewise) usually stands inside the sentence after the conjugated verb. But it can also stand in position 1, in which case the verb follows directly after it.
Die Nachricht traf ihn gleichsam wie ein Blitz.
The news struck him, as it were, like lightning.
The meaning 'sozusagen' (so to speak) is often used for figurative comparisons. The meaning 'zugleich' (at the same time), however, connects two real roles or qualities of a person or thing.
Die Wolken bildeten gleichsam eine Decke über der Stadt.
The clouds formed, as it were, a blanket over the city.
virtually / practically
Both words introduce a figurative or nonliteral equivalence. Quasi belongs more to neutral or colloquial everyday speech, while gleichsam sounds elevated or literary. Use quasi in a normal conversation and gleichsam when you deliberately want the wording to sound more formal or solemn.
Für viele Kinder ist die Bibliothek gleichsam ein zweites Zuhause.
For many children, the library is, as it were, a second home.
Für viele Kinder ist die Bibliothek quasi ein zweites Zuhause.
For many children, the library is practically a second home.
