anyway
anyway Lexical Profile
anyway Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
Regardless of other considerations; in any case or nevertheless.
"The weather forecast looked gloomy, but they decided to hike up the trail anyway."
Used in conversation to resume a previous subject, change the topic, or bring a discussion to a close.
"Anyway, as I was saying before the phone rang, the project deadline has been extended."
Used to add a supporting point or modify a statement just made; besides or at least.
"I don't have time to attend the seminar, and anyway, the registration is already full."
In a careless, haphazard, or disorderly manner.
"He packed his suitcase hurriedly, folding the clothes just anyway to make them fit."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the single-word adverb 'anyway' (meaning regardless or in any case) with the two-word phrase 'any way' (meaning in any manner or by any method, as in 'Help in any way you can'); the colloquial variant 'anyways' is considered nonstandard in formal writing.
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'any' and 'way', originally used as an adverbial phrase meaning 'in any manner' or 'by any path'.