anyway, adv. and conj.
(ˈɛnɪweɪ)
[cf. anyways, and the analogous pair always, alway.]
1. adv. In any way or manner, anyhow; to any degree or extent, in any measure.
| 1570 Levins Manip. 197 Any way, quavis, ullo modo. Least any way, nequa. 1593 Bilson Ch. Govt. To Reader 3 That anie waie touch the state. 1611 Bible Transl. Pref. 1 Any thing that sauoured any way of newnesse. 1642 Rogers Naaman To Reader 4 That I may set my base heart on work any way to prevent sloth. 1712 Addison Spect. No. 529 ¶1 All those who are any way concerned in works of literature. 1842 Tennyson To J. S. xv, How should I soothe you anyway? |
2. In any way however imperfect; anyhow.
| 1660 Stanley Hist. Philos. (1701) 183/1 Not he that speaketh any way speaketh rightly. |
3. advb. conj. However the case may be; in any case; anyhow.
| 1859 Helps Friends in C. Ser. ii. (1869) I. 117 Anyway, I should soon be dispossessed of my lands. 1876 Black Madcap V. xiv. 124 That is how I look at it, anyway. |