anyway

UK: ˈɛnɪweɪ | US: ˈɛniweɪ

Definition

  1. adv. used to confirm or support a point (often to transition or conclude)

  2. adv. regardless of circumstances; in any case

Structure
any <some or every>way <path or manner>
Etymology

The word "anyway" combines "any" (from Old English ǣnig, meaning "some" or "every") and "way" (from Old English weg, meaning "path" or "manner"). It originally emphasized "in any manner" but evolved to signal conclusion or persistence ("in any case"). The fusion reflects a shift from literal paths to abstract reasoning in Middle English.

Examples

  1. I don’t agree, but I’ll help you anyway.

  2. Anyway, let’s get back to the main topic.

  3. It might rain, but we’re going hiking anyway.

  4. Anyway, what were you saying earlier?

  5. The plan is flawed, but we’ll proceed anyway.