anyway

Anyway is an English adverb and discourse marker with several related senses centered on the idea of proceeding despite circumstances. In its most common use, it means in any case, regardless, or nevertheless, and it often functions to move the conversation forward or to introduce a comment that acknowledges a previous point while shifting focus. As a sentence adverb, it can appear at the beginning of a sentence, as in “Anyway, what were we talking about?” or return to a previous topic, as in “We’ve discussed the plans. Anyway, what’s the next step?” It can also mean “in any case” or “anyhow,” as in “I didn’t want to go, but I went anyway.”

Etymology and development: Anyway combines the word any with way and is attested in English from the Middle English period. Its early sense was closer to “by any route” or “by any means,” and over time the meaning broadened to emphasize regardless of obstacles, ultimately yielding its current discourse-use.

Usage notes: The standard spelling is anyway. The form anyways appears in some dialects, especially in informal American speech, but is generally regarded as nonstandard in formal writing. In formal contexts, speakers and writers may substitute phrases such as in any case, nevertheless, or regardless, depending on the nuance desired.

See also: related discourse markers, regardless, nevertheless, in any case.