Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In any way or manner whatsoever; by any means: Used to indicate that something is done or happens without concern for the specific method or order.
   • Used to add a statement that supports, explains, or contrasts with a previous point; in any case; anyway: Used to introduce a concluding, summarizing, or contrasting remark, often to minimize the importance of previous details or to return to the main point.

Usage

• As a sentence adverb: "Anyhow" is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence to connect ideas or shift the topic.
• To indicate method: It can describe an action done carelessly, haphazardly, or without a specific plan.
• To signal a transition: It is commonly used in spoken and informal written English to resume a main point after a digression or to conclude a discussion.

Examples

• Indicating method or manner:
  • The wires were connected anyhow; it's a miracle it worked. (The wires were connected in a careless, disordered way.)
  • Just put the books on the shelf anyhow for now. (Put them in any order; haphazardly.)
• Adding a supporting or concluding remark:
  • I know it's late. Anyhow, I should get going. (Despite the previous statement, here is my main point.)
  • The movie got bad reviews. I wanted to see it anyhow. (I wanted to see it regardless of the reviews.)
  • It might rain. Anyhow, we've decided to have the picnic. (Introducing a decision that stands despite the possibility.)

Advanced Usage

• "Feel anyhow": (Idiomatic, chiefly British) To feel unwell or out of sorts.
  • I've been feeling anyhow all week. (I've been feeling poorly.)
• "All anyhow": In a state of disorder or confusion.
  • After the party, the house was all anyhow. (Everything was in a mess.)

Variants and Related Words

• Anyway: An almost exact synonym, more common in modern usage, especially to introduce a concluding point.
• In any case: A more formal synonym for the transitional use.
• At any rate: Similar to "in any case," used to introduce a definitive statement.

Synonyms

• Regardless: Without regard for circumstances.
• Nevertheless: In spite of that.
• Haphazardly: In a random, disordered manner (for the method sense).

Related Phrases

• Be anyhow: (Informal) To be in a poor or unsatisfactory state.
  • His hair was all anyhow after the wind. (His hair was very messy.)

Notes

• Formality: "Anyhow" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, alternatives like "nevertheless," "however," or "in any case" are often preferred for the transitional sense.
• Position: It frequently appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause when used as a discourse marker to change the subject or emphasize a point.

Adverb

1. in any way whatsoever
   • they came anyhow they could
   • get it done anyway you can
2. used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement; anyhow, they're quiet"; anyway, it's gone"; in any case, there was a brief scuffle"
   • Anyhow, he is dead now
   • I think they're asleep
   • I don't know what happened to it
   • anyway, there is another factor to consider
   • I don't know how it started
   • in any event, the government faced a serious protest
   • but at any rate he got a knighthood for it