The phrase "as between" is commonly used in legal contexts to indicate a comparison or distinction between two parties or options. In terms of its spelling, the "as" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, IPA symbol /æ/, followed by the voiced "z" sound, IPA symbol /z/. The word "between" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, IPA symbol /biːtˈwiːn/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /æz bɪˈtwiːn/, with stress on the second syllable of "between".
"As between" is a term used in legal language to describe a relationship or comparison between two or more parties, typically in terms of their rights, responsibilities, or liabilities within a specific context or situation. It is often used to clarify the specific obligations or rights that exist between particular individuals or entities.
The phrase "as between" implies that the analysis or evaluation is being conducted exclusively in relation to the parties being discussed, without necessarily extending to other parties or broader circumstances. It highlights the focus on the specific parties involved and their interactions.
Within legal contexts, "as between" is commonly used to address matters such as contractual obligations, liability for damages, or distribution of assets. For example, if two people are involved in a legal dispute, a court may consider their respective positions "as between" them, meaning the court will assess the rights and liabilities of the individuals specifically involved in the dispute, disregarding any involvement of others.
Overall, "as between" serves to specify the particular individuals or entities under consideration and indicates that the analysis or examination will be taken from their respective perspectives, excluding additional parties or more general aspects of the situation.
The phrase "as between" does not have a separate etymology of its own, as it is composed of two separate words: "as" and "between".
The word "as" comes from the Old English word "ealswā", which means "similarly" or "equally". It has been used in English since the 9th century with various meanings such as "in the manner of" or "in the capacity of".
The word "between" can be traced back to the Old English word "betweonum", which means "by twain" or "in the middle of two". It is a combination of "be-" (by) and "twēonum" (twain).
When combined, "as between" is a phrase used in legal and formal contexts to indicate a comparison or relationship between two or more parties or entities.