at any rate

Thân thiện

At any rate, we should arrive before sunset.

Definition

Adverb: 1. Used to indicate that a statement is true or relevant regardless of other considerations; in any case; anyway. It is used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or important, even if other things are uncertain or might be different. 2. Used to correct or modify a previous statement, making it more accurate or less strong. It signals that you are being more precise or adding a limiting fact.

Usage

• To emphasize a main point: Use "at any rate" to state the most important fact or conclusion, suggesting that other details are less significant. >
• To clarify or correct: Use it to rephrase or adjust something you just said to make it more accurate. >

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Discourse Marker: In conversation and writing, "at any rate" functions as a discourse marker to change the subject, return to the main point, or conclude a line of thought. >

Variants and Related Words

• Anyway: (Adverb) Very similar in meaning and usage, though often considered slightly more informal.
• In any case: (Adverb) A more formal synonym.
• Anyhow: (Adverb) An informal synonym.
• At least: (Adverb) Can be similar when used to introduce a positive point after a negative one (e.g., ), but "at least" is more specific to mitigating circumstances.

Synonyms

• Anyway
• In any case
• Anyhow
• Regardless
• Nevertheless (when used to introduce a contrasting main point)

Related Phrases

• Be that as it may: A more formal phrase used to acknowledge a point but then introduce a more important contrasting one.
• In any event: Essentially identical in meaning to "in any case."

Notes on Register

"At any rate" is standard in both spoken and written English. It is slightly more formal than "anyway" or "anyhow" but less formal than "in any event" or "in any case."

Học thuật

Adverb

1. if nothing else (`leastwise' is informal and `leastways' is colloquial)
   • at least he survived
   • they felt--at any rate Jim felt--relieved though still wary
   • the influence of economists--or at any rate of economics--is far-reaching
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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• at least
• leastways
• leastwise
• anyhow
• anyway
• anyways
• in any case
• in any event