1.
as if, as though, just like, exactly as if
Used to draw comparisons, often followed by ～のように, ～のごとく, or similar expressions. Has a formal or literary tone.
Writing
Usually written in hiragana. The kanji form 恰も exists but is rarely used.
Common patterns
Register
Formal and literary. In casual speech, まるで is the everyday equivalent. あたかも adds a more dramatic or poetic tone.