anyhow
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adv.you use this to return to the main point of a story or to say that something is true no matter what.
adv.used as a discourse marker to resume a main narrative thread after a digression or to indicate that a statement is true regardless of other factors.
Simple“It was a long and boring meeting, but anyhow, we finally finished the report.”
In context“The technical details are somewhat disputed; anyhow, the primary objective of the mission was successfully achieved despite the initial setbacks.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adv.in a way that is messy, random, or not careful.
adv.in a careless, haphazard, or disorderly manner; lacking systematic attention to detail.
Simple“The books were piled anyhow on the floor, making it hard to walk.”
In context“The evidence had been gathered anyhow, with little regard for the strict protocols required for a formal forensic investigation.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
adv.to do something without thinking or for no good reason.
adv.to act without due consideration, purpose, or care; frequently used to describe impulsive or irresponsible behavior.
Simple“Don't anyhow park your car here or you will get a fine.”
In context“He was criticized for anyhow making promises to the clients that the production team could not possibly fulfill on such a tight schedule.”
UsageCommonly used in Singaporean English (Singlish) to describe acting without thinking.
Teacher's tipThis specific usage is highly characteristic of Southeast Asian dialects; outside of these regions, it may sound non-standard or archaic.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.describes something that is messy or done without a plan.
adj.predicative adjective describing a state of disorder, randomness, or lack of consideration.
Simple“His work is very anyhow, so he often has to do it again.”
In context“The management style in that department is quite anyhow, leading to significant confusion among the junior staff members.”
UsageUsed as a predicative adjective, typically following a linking verb.
Synonyms
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ís? Proto-Indo-European *h₁óynos Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Indo-European *h₁oy-no-kós Proto-Germanic *ainagaz Proto-West Germanic *ainag Old English ǣniġ Middle English ani English any Proto-Indo-European *kʷ- Proto-Indo-European *kʷís Proto-Germanic *hwō Old English hū Middle English how English how English anyhow From any + how.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.