anyway
- 01 A2 Elementary
used to say that something is true or will happen despite other facts or problems.
indicates that a situation exists or an action occurs regardless of other circumstances mentioned.
Simple“The water was cold, but we went swimming anyway because it was our last day.”
In context“The board decided to proceed with the merger anyway, despite the vocal opposition from the minority shareholders and the local community.”
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
used to change the subject, end a conversation, or return to an earlier topic.
serves as a discourse marker to signal a transition in conversation, often to resume a previous thread or to conclude a discussion.
Simple“Anyway, as I was saying before the phone rang, we should leave at six.”
In context“Anyway, moving on from the budget concerns, let us look at the projected timeline for the second phase of the development.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
used to give an extra reason for something you have just said.
used to introduce a supplementary statement that reinforces or justifies a previous point.
Simple“I don't really like that restaurant, and it's too expensive anyway.”
In context“The candidate lacked the necessary technical certifications, and his previous experience wasn't particularly relevant to our current needs anyway.”
Synonymsbesidesat any rate - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
used at the end of a question to show you are interested in the real or most important fact.
placed at the end of an interrogative clause to add emphasis or to pivot the inquiry toward a more fundamental or relevant point.
Simple“What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were on holiday.”
In context“Why would they choose such an inaccessible location for the new headquarters anyway, given the commute for the majority of the staff?”
Synonymsat allin the first place
From any + way.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.