way

Pluralways

Formsways, waying, wayed

1. 1
   mannernouncountable

   How something is done, or how a person usually acts.

   I love the way my dad tells funny stories at dinner.

   The easiest way to learn to swim is with a good teacher.

   UsageSay a way to do something or a way of doing it.

   Similarmethod, manner, approach, fashion, means

2. 2
   course (travel)nouncountable

   A road, path or direction for getting somewhere, or a door or opening to go in or out.

   We got lost on the way home and had to use a map.

   Excuse me, is this the way to the train station?

   UsageAsk the way to the station. On the way is during the trip; in the way is blocking.

   Similarroute, path, road, passage

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A certain respect or degree, as in 'in a way' or 'in some ways'.

   In a way, the two brothers are alike.

   In some ways the old system was better.

   UsageIn a way means partly: in a way, he's right.

   Similarrespect, sense, regard

4. 4
   nouncountable

   A distance or an amount of time between two points, often with words like long or short.

   The store is only a short way down the road.

   My birthday is still a long way off.

   UsageSay it's a long way, and ask is it far?

   Similardistance

5. 5
   much (comparing)adverbcolloquial

   Far or much, as in way more, way too big, or way down the road.

   I'm way too tired to go out.

   She's a way better singer than me.

   UsageIn careful writing, say much better or far too late.

   Similarfar, much

   Oppositeslightly

6. 6
   noun

   A chance that something can happen, used in 'no way' and 'any way'.

   There's no way I'm cleaning up after you.

   Is there any way to fix it tonight?

   UsageNo way! means I don't believe it, or certainly not. Any way is not the same as anyway.

   Similarchance, possibility, means

7. 7
   nouncountable

   The customs, values, and beliefs that a group or tradition lives by.

   They still live by the ways of their ancestors.

   Her grandmother taught her the way of their people.

   Similarcustom, tradition, path, practice

8. 8
   noun

   What someone has firmly decided should happen, often in 'get your way'.

   My sister whines until she gets her way.

   Have it your way, then.

   UsageGet your way means get what you want. Have it your way means fine, do what you want.

9. 9
   conditionnoun

   The state or condition that someone or something is in.

   After three days without food, the dog was in a bad way.

   She's in a bad way after the fall.

   UsageIn a bad way means very ill or very unhappy.

   Similarstate, condition, shape

10. 10
    noununcountable

    Free space to move ahead or get past, in a place or in life, as in in the way.

    Your bike is in the way, so I can't open the gate.

    Don't let one bad grade get in the way of your plans.

    Similarroom, space

    Note

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