anyway

Nonstandard, an·y·ways

[en-ee-wey]

adverb

1. in any case; anyhow; nonetheless; regardless.

   Whether you like it or not, I'm going anyway.

2. (used to continue or resume the thread of a story or account).

   Anyway, we finally found a plumber who could come right over.

anyway

/ ˈɛnɪˌweɪ /

adverb

1. in any case; at any rate; nevertheless; anyhow

2. in a careless or haphazard manner

3. Usually any way . in any manner; by any means

Spelling Note

The adverb anyway is spelled as one word: It was snowing hard, but we drove to the play anyway. The two-word phrase any way means “in any manner”: Finish the job any way you choose. If the words “in the” can be substituted for “any,” the two-word phrase is called for: Finish the job in the way you choose. If the substitution cannot be made, the spelling is anyway.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anyway¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, anyway is from Middle English ani wei. See any, way ¹

Example Sentences

Lin, a 33-year-old software engineer who lives in New York City, complained to the butcher but ended up buying the steak anyway.

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Others proceeded with the ritual anyway or performed alternative ceremonies.

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He had by far the highest name recognition of any Democrat in the June primary, but he lost anyway.

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These being your traditionally flopping Trojans, you might not recognize them, but look anyway, because this is real, not to mention real fun and real loud.

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After the experience of two miscarriages, she ignored his misgivings and had one anyway.

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Related Words

• anyhow 
• ever 
• once