Anyway is a word people use to get back to the main point after a digression or interruption. When you're telling a story and suddenly realize you've wandered off track, you might say “anyway” to signal you're returning to what really matters. “I was going to the library, but then I saw this amazing dog, and it reminded me of my cousin's puppy, but anyway, I got the book I needed.”

The word also means “regardless” or “in spite of that.” If your friend warns you that a hike might be muddy and you decide to go anyway, you're choosing to proceed despite the concern. When someone says “I'm going anyway,” they mean nothing will change their mind.

Sometimes people use “anyway” to move a conversation forward when it's stalled or gotten awkward, like changing the subject after a disagreement: “Well, anyway, what are we doing this weekend?” It's a useful word that helps conversations flow, acknowledging that you're shifting gears without making a big deal about it. The spelling anyways (with an s) is common in casual speech but considered nonstandard in writing.