anyway
adverb
UK/ˈɛniweɪ/US/ˈɛniweɪ/
In any case; anyway; regardless of other considerations.
Example Sentences
I was tired, but I decided to go to the party anyway.
He didn't have all the necessary information, but he completed the task anyway.
Anyway, we need to find a solution to this problem.
She wasn't sure about the details, but she agreed to help anyway.
They were running late, but they arrived on time anyway.
The weather was bad, but the event went ahead anyway.
He didn't feel like studying, but he did it anyway to pass the exam.
Anyway, it's important to stay positive despite the challenges.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Used to continue or conclude despite prior details, or to shift the topic.“Anyway” functions as an adverb that either dismisses what came before or indicates a move forward in conversation. When it dismisses something, “anyway” implies that a prior obstacle or disagreement will not alter the outcome: “We argued, but we went out anyway.” In a shift-of-topic sense, it helps pivot to a new subject or wrap up the current one—“Anyway, what was I saying?” This usage is common in everyday dialogue or informal writing.Grammatically, it often appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence, e.g., “Anyway, I’m heading out,” or “She complained, but anyway, we kept going.” While more frequent in casual language, “anyway” can appear in semi-formal text to acknowledge a previous point but focus on a subsequent conclusion. Overall, “anyway” conveys resilience, continuity, or a conversational pivot, showing that whatever preceded is not impeding the next step or thought.
Alternatives
Close synonyms include “anyhow,” “regardless,” and “in any case.” “Anyhow” has a similarly casual tone, while “regardless” and “nonetheless” sound more formal or resolute, emphasizing that something will proceed despite issues. “In any case” can serve as a transition, somewhat like “anyway,” but carries a subtly more measured or academic tone. These words share the sense of pressing on despite difficulties or shifting topics, though “anyway” is typically the most colloquial and versatile among them.
Writing
When using “anyway” in writing, keep it suited to an informal or conversational style—such as personal essays, blog posts, or character dialogue. In more formal writing, you might replace it with “nevertheless” or “in any case.” For clarity, position “anyway” at the start or near the start of a sentence to signal a shift in focus or to underscore a decision made in spite of contrary information. Overuse can feel repetitive or flippant, so vary transitions to maintain a natural flow. If using it in dialogue, “anyway” helps replicate casual, realistic speech patterns.
Casual Conversation
“Anyway” appears frequently in everyday speech to dismiss small objections or smoothly change topics. For example, if a friend apologizes for being late, you might say, “Anyway, don’t worry about it,” quickly moving on. It can also close minor disagreements: “You may not agree, but I’m going anyway.” People might also tack it on to a sentence’s end for a final note, e.g., “That’s what I think, anyway,” signaling they’ve finished their point. In group chats, “Anyway, who’s up for lunch?” can redirect conversation from a tangent back to a new plan. Essentially, “anyway” in casual contexts fosters an easygoing transition or quick resolution, keeping the conversation from lingering on obstacles or unproductive loops.
Etymology
The modern English adverb “anyway” evolved from Middle English forms combining “any” (Old English “ænig,” meaning “one, any”) and “way” (Old English “weg,” meaning “road, path, or manner”). Initially, these elements suggested “in any manner or path.” Over centuries, usage narrowed into the sense of carrying on regardless of hindrances, reflecting how language shifts to capture everyday attitudes—like dismissing a prior point or continuing despite an interruption. Today, “anyway” thrives in casual and semiformal conversation, preserving that centuries-old notion of forging ahead in spite of potential roadblocks.