As/that was Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Past Emphasis Emphasizes the importance of a specific past moment. He smiled, as that was the day he reunited with his sister. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Highlight Brings emotion or sentiment to the surface regarding a past event. Tears filled her eyes, as that was the place they first met. Pro Tip 3/3Historic Reference Sets the stage for a historical account or reminiscing. The old man spoke of his youth, as that was a golden era.