“Forasmuch as” is a phrase commonly used in archaic English to introduce a reason or explanation. It functions as a conjunction to connect a premise or cause with a conclusion or result. In older English texts, “forasmuch as” is used to indicate the reason or cause for a particular action, event, or circumstance. Its modern equivalents include “because,” “since,” and “as,” among others.

In comparison to contemporary conjunctions, “forasmuch as” is more formal and may sound outdated in modern writing. While it serves a similar purpose in conveying reasons or explanations, its usage in older texts tends to be more elaborate and less concise compared to how reasons are expressed in contemporary writing. Modern equivalents are more commonly used for their brevity and clarity in conveying the same meaning.

Overall, “forasmuch as” in archaic writing is a formal and somewhat elaborate way to introduce a reason or cause, while modern English tends to utilize simpler and more direct conjunctions for the same purpose.