adv. and conj. [cf. ANYWAYS, and the analogous pair always, alway.]
1. adv. In any way or manner, anyhow; to any degree or extent, in any measure.
1570. Levins, Manip., 197. Any way, quavis, ullo modo. Least any way, nequa.
1593. Bilson, Govt. Christs Ch., To Rdr. 3. That anie waie touch the state.
1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., 1. Any thing that sauoured any way of newnesse.
1642. Rogers, Naaman, To Rdr. 4. That I may set my base heart on work any way to prevent sloth.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 529, ¶ 1. All those who are any way concerned in works of literature.
1842. Tennyson, To J.S., xv. How should I soothe you anyway?
2. In any way however imperfect; anyhow.
1660. Stanley, Hist. Philos. (1701), 183/1. Not he that speaketh any way speaketh rightly.
3. advb. conj. However the case may be; in any case; anyhow.
1859. Helps, Friends in C., Ser. II. (1869), I. 117. Anyway, I should soon be dispossessed of my lands.
1876. Black, Madcap Violet, xiv. 124. That is how I look at it, anyway.