anyway
adv.-
1 regardless (adv.) A2 Elementaryused 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.
ExampleThe water was cold, but we went swimming anyway because it was our last day.
ExampleThe board decided to proceed with the merger anyway, despite the vocal opposition from the minority shareholders and the local community.
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2 changing the subject (adv.) A2 Elementary Informalused 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.
ExampleAnyway, as I was saying before the phone rang, we should leave at six.
ExampleAnyway, moving on from the budget concerns, let us look at the projected timeline for the second phase of the development.
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3 adding a reason (adv.) B1 Intermediateused to give an extra reason for something you have just said.
used to introduce a supplementary statement that reinforces or justifies a previous point.
ExampleI don't really like that restaurant, and it's too expensive anyway.
ExampleThe candidate lacked the necessary technical certifications, and his previous experience wasn't particularly relevant to our current needs anyway.
- besides
- at any rate
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4 for emphasis in questions (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalused 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.
ExampleWhat are you doing here anyway? I thought you were on holiday.
ExampleWhy would they choose such an inaccessible location for the new headquarters anyway, given the commute for the majority of the staff?
- at all
- in the first place
From any + way.