anyway
adv/ˈɛniweɪ/
Etymology From any + way.
1
Conjunctive Regardless; anyhow.
- He didn't enjoy washing his car, but it was so dirty that he did it anyway.
- Raymond Carver had only moments late at night to write after grueling day jobs, tense relationships, putting kids to bed, and dealing with his own alcoholism. And he wrote anyway.2016, JoAnneh Nagler, How to be an artist without losing your mind, your shirt, or your creative compass, →ISBN, page 85:
2
Used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement. See anyhow and at least.
- I don't think that's true. I haven't found any evidence, anyway.
- But I wish there were somethin’ you would do or say To try and make me change my mind and stay We never did too much talkin’ anyway Don’t think twice, it’s all right.1962, Bob Dylan, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, in The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Columbia Records:
3
Used to indicate a change of subject.
- "I'll be ninety my next birthday, but Louella doesn't tell her age. Anyway, we're going to have you and Cynthia up for supper."2005, Jan Karon, These High, Green Hills:
4
Used at the end of a question for emphasis, or to direct the conversation to something of more broad importance (compare with more to the point).
- “But I say, Kid, isn't that going it a little too strong? Whisky and alcohol's bad enough; but when it comes to brandy and pepper-sauce and—” ¶ “Dump it in. Who's making this punch, anyway?”1899, Jack London, “To the Man on the Trail”, in The Overland Monthly, page 36:
- The name, Barry Frank, the name of the game when it comes to money these days, in every sport, is television revenue. How do they get enough money- let me back up a minute. How did the United States get the World Cup anyway? Of all the countries in the world, you'd think we'd be the last one to get it.1990, Nightline, Ted Koppel (actor):
1 more example
- “We should probably wait until Luke gets here to talk about it,” Leia suggested quietly before Han could answer. Lando glanced past Han, as if only just noticing Luke's absence. “Where is he, anyway?”1992, Timothy Zahn, Heir to the Empire, Spectra, →ISBN, page 154:
5
Obsolete In any way.
- He that sleeps in the day-time, or is in suspense, fear, anyway troubled in mind, or goes to bed upon a full stomach, may never hope for quiet rest in the night […].1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, partition II, section 2, member 5:
- Derived terms
- the grapes are sour anyway