anyway

The word “anyway” means regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case. In plain terms, a word for "regardless" or for steering a conversation back on track.

“Anyway” is pronounced EH-nee-way (/ˈɛniweɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “anyway” used in a sentence: “It might rain, but we're going hiking anyway.”

Words with a similar meaning to “anyway” include anywise, anyroad, any road up and any old way.

“Anyway” is an adverb.

“Anyway” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Anyway” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case.

They mean the same thing, but "anyway" is the standard, accepted form in formal writing. "Anyways" is an informal, colloquial variant, common in casual speech but often considered incorrect. In essays, emails, and professional writing, always use "anyway" without the "s."

Written as one word, "anyway" is an adverb meaning "regardless" or "in any case." Written as two words, "any way" means "any method or means," as in "Is there any way to help?" If you can replace it with "regardless," use one word; if you mean a method, use two.

"Anyways" is a real word in that people use and understand it, but it is nonstandard and informal, and dictionaries note it as colloquial. In careful or formal writing it is best avoided in favour of "anyway," which is universally accepted as correct.

"Anyway" often signals that something is true regardless of other factors, as in "It was raining, but we went anyway." It can also steer a conversation back on track, as in "Anyway, as I was saying…" Both uses convey the sense of "in any case" or "regardless."