Anyways - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

'Anyways' is a nonstandard variant of 'anyway,' functioning as an adverb to indicate a change of subject, to resume a topic, or to suggest something is happening despite difficulties. It is mostly used in informal speech and writing. Think of it as a more casual, slightly slangy version of 'anyway.' While 'anyway' is widely accepted, 'anyways' is often viewed as grammatically incorrect, though common. For example, 'I wasn't sure about it, but anyways, I went along.' It's like the slightly rebellious cousin of 'anyway.' 😎 It still conveys the same meaning but with a different tone.

Etymology

'Anyways' is simply the word 'anyway' with an added 's' at the end. This addition is likely due to analogy with other adverbs ending in 's,' like 'towards' or 'besides.' 'Anyway' itself is derived from 'any' and 'way,' reflecting a lack of restriction. The addition of 's' does not change the meaning but rather the style. The evolution of 'anyways' reflects a natural tendency for language to evolve informally. Despite its common usage, it remains a contested form in formal settings. 🤷‍♀️

Related Words

Examples

• "I wasn't planning on going, but anyways, I ended up having fun."
• "The movie was long, but anyways, it was worth watching."
• "I forgot my notes, but anyways, I managed to give a good presentation."
• "She was feeling tired, but anyways, she went to the gym."

Encouragement

Use 'anyways' if you want to sound casual and relaxed, especially in informal settings. However, be mindful of your audience and avoid using it in formal writing or presentations. Know your audience, and use it with confidence. You got this! 🎉

Learn More

📖 Learn more on Wikipedia