What does anyhow mean?
Anyhow is an adverb with two principal uses. First, it expresses the idea of achieving something by whatever means are available — if you manage to finish a job anyhow, you complete it without specifying or perhaps even knowing exactly how. Second, and very commonly in conversation, it functions as a discourse marker that steers talk back on course: a speaker who says 'Anyhow, as I was saying...' signals that a digression has gone on long enough and the main point deserves attention. It can also convey that a statement holds despite obstacles or objections, much like 'in any case'. Anyhow arose in English through the straightforward combination of 'any' and 'how', and it has been in use since at least the early modern period. Somewhat informal in register, it thrives in speech and casual writing, where its breezy, slightly dismissive tone makes it a versatile tool for wrapping things up.
adverbIn any way possible or by whatever means; regardless of the manner, method, or circumstances involved. Also used as a discourse marker to resume a topic, dismiss a digression, or signal that what precedes is of little importance.
- Used to indicate that something happens or is done by whatever means or method is available; in any way possible.
- Used as a sentence adverb to return to a main point, dismiss a digression, or conclude a discussion: 'in any case', 'at any rate'.
- Used to express that something is true or done despite other considerations; regardless.
"She managed to fix the leaky roof anyhow, using whatever materials she could find in the shed."
"The furniture wouldn't fit through the door, but we got it into the room anyhow."
"Anyhow, as I was saying before we got interrupted, the meeting starts at nine."
Anyhow is one of English's great shrugging words — it lets you finish a task without explaining how, or end an argument without conceding it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anyhow
Anyhow was formed within English from the combination of 'any' and 'how', following the same pattern that produced 'anyway', 'anywhere', and 'anyone'. The compound emerged in the early modern period, with usage attested from around the sixteenth century onward. Its component parts are both native Germanic words: 'any' derives from Old English 'ǣnig', related to 'one', while 'how' comes from Old English 'hū'. Cognate formations combining equivalents of 'any' and 'how' appear in other Germanic languages.
How anyhow is actually used
Anyhow is somewhat more informal and conversational than 'in any case' or 'at any rate', making it common in speech and casual writing but less frequent in formal prose. In American English, 'anyway' considerably outnumbers 'anyhow' in everyday use. When used to close a digression ('Anyhow, where were we?'), it carries a mildly dismissive or breezy tone.
Easily confused with anyhow
Anyhow and anyway are largely interchangeable as discourse markers, but 'anyhow' more often carries the sense of accomplishing something by whatever means necessary, while 'anyway' is the more common choice for resuming or dismissing a line of thought.