anyway
gb/ˈɛniwˌeɪ/ us/ˈɛniwˌeɪ/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
despite what was said
Used to show that something happens even though something else was said or expected.
Usage pattern:
[statement]. Anyway, [new statement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'anyway' with 'anyhow' or 'somehow', which have different meanings.
Synonyms
regardless (Slightly more formal and less conversational.)
Antonyms
therefore (Shows logical consequence rather than contrast or dismissal.)
Collocations
but anyway
|anyway I think
|anyway let's
Themes
daily life
|conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It was raining, but we went for a walk anyway.
- She said she was tired, but she came to the party anyway.
- I know you don't like him, but you should be polite anyway.
Learner examples
- I was sick, but I went to work anyway.
- He didn't study, but he passed the test anyway.
- It was late, but we kept talking anyway.
adverb
informal
B1
relation
2
back to the main point
Used to bring the talk back to the main subject after talking about something else.
Usage pattern:
Anyway, [main topic statement]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this sense in formal writing where it sounds too casual.
Synonyms
in any case (More formal; can also mean 'regardless'.)
Collocations
so anyway
|but anyway
Themes
conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Anyway, as I was saying, we need to finish the report by Friday.
- So anyway, let's move on to the next item.
- Anyway, back to the story—he finally agreed to help.
Learner examples
- Anyway, let's start the meeting.
- Anyway, back to our plan.
- Anyway, we need to go now.
adverb
B2
relation
3
in any possible way
In any way or method that works.
Usage pattern:
[do something] anyway you can
Common mistake:
Confusion with 'anyways', which is nonstandard in this meaning.
Synonyms
somehow ('Somehow' often implies uncertainty about the method.)
Collocations
do it anyway you can
Themes
problem solving
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can decorate the room anyway you like.
- Fix it anyway you know how.
- She managed to get there anyway she could.
Learner examples
- You can cook it anyway you want.
- Please do it anyway you can.
- He solved the problem anyway he knew.
Grammar
Dictionary form
anyway
IPA
GB/ˈɛniwˌeɪ/
US/ˈɛniwˌeɪ/
Syllables & stress
any - way (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (any)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: anyway
- Plural: anyways
Word family
Expressions
anyway you slice it
1/ˈɛniwˌeɪ jˈu slˈaɪs ˈɪt/
idiom
informal
true no matter how viewed
It is true no matter how you look at it or think about it.
Examples
- Anyway you slice it, this project is going to cost a lot.
- It's a bad deal, anyway you slice it.
but anyway
1/bˈʌt ˈɛniwˌeɪ/
fixed phrase
informal
change subject or dismiss point
Used to move to another topic or ignore what was just said.
Examples
- But anyway, let's get back to the meeting.
- But anyway, that's not important now.