anyhow
gb/ˈɛnihˌaʊ/ us/ˈɛnihˌaʊ/
B1
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
informal
B1
relation
1
despite what was said
Used to say something happens even though something else could stop it.
Usage pattern:
[clause], anyhow
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'anyhow' with 'somehow'; 'anyhow' means 'despite that' here, not 'in some way'.
Synonyms
anyway (Very close in meaning; 'anyway' is more common in both formal and informal speech.)
Antonyms
therefore (Shows a result or consequence, the opposite logical direction from 'anyhow' in this sense.)
Collocations
went on anyhow
|decided anyhow
|did it anyhow
Themes
daily life
|conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It was raining, but they went for a walk anyhow.
- I know it's risky, but I'll try it anyhow.
- He didn’t study much; he passed the exam anyhow.
Learner examples
- It was cold, but we went out anyhow.
- I was tired, but I finished the work anyhow.
- She didn’t like the food, but she ate it anyhow.
adverb
informal
B1
relation
2
in any way possible
In any way, without care about how it is done.
Usage pattern:
do [something] anyhow
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'somehow', which means 'in some way' but not necessarily carelessly.
Synonyms
haphazardly (Stronger sense of disorder and randomness than 'anyhow'.)
Antonyms
carefully (Implies attention and precision, opposite of doing something 'anyhow'.)
Collocations
arranged anyhow
|thrown anyhow
|done anyhow
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He just threw his clothes into the suitcase anyhow.
- The chairs were placed anyhow around the room.
- She answered the questions anyhow, without thinking much.
Learner examples
- He put the books on the table anyhow.
- They painted the wall anyhow.
- She packed her bag anyhow.
adverb
informal
B1
action
3
to change topic or resume
Used to go back to the main subject after talking about something else.
Usage pattern:
Anyhow, [new topic]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'anyhow' here instead of 'anyway', which sounds more natural in many contexts.
Synonyms
anyway ('Anyway' is more common and neutral for this function.)
Antonyms
by the way ('By the way' introduces a new related topic rather than returning to an old one.)
Collocations
Anyhow, let's continue
|Anyhow, where was I?
|Anyhow, moving on
Themes
conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Anyhow, let's get back to what we were discussing.
- We got sidetracked. Anyhow, the main point is this.
- Anyhow, shall we start the meeting?
Learner examples
- Anyhow, let's talk about our plan.
- Anyhow, where were we?
- Anyhow, let's start the lesson.
Grammar
Dictionary form
anyhow
IPA
GB/ˈɛnihˌaʊ/
US/ˈɛnihˌaʊ/
Syllables & stress
any - how (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (any)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: anyhow
- Plural: anyhows
Word family
Expressions
anyhow and anyway
1/ˈɛnihˌaʊ ˈænd ˈɛniwˌeɪ/
fixed phrase
informal
using both for emphasis
Using both words together to make the meaning stronger when changing topic or showing contrast.
Examples
- Anyhow and anyway, let's move on to the next point.
- It was raining. Anyhow and anyway, we decided to go.