way · n
one way or another
B2 in some way that is not stated
Dictionary examples:
One way or another these bills have to be paid. (15.4)
Everyone at the party was related in one way or another. (29.0)
one way or the other
B2 in any way that is possible
Dictionary examples:
We have to make a decision one way or the other about what needs to be done. (38.8)
the other way around
B2 happening in the opposite way
Dictionary examples:
I thought the older people would be more offended than the young people, but it was the other way around. (46.9)
make your way
B2 to get to a place
Dictionary examples:
We slowly made our way down the river. (21.1)
It's getting late - we should make our way home soon. (24.1)
all the way
B2 the complete distance
Dictionary examples:
They ran all the way to school. (11.8)
in a way or in some/many ways
B2 used to say that you think something is partly true
Dictionary examples:
In a way, I would prefer it if they didn't come because it would mean extra work. (22.8)
In some ways it would be better if we met on Monday rather than Wednesday. (23.5)
He was a remarkable politician in many ways. (31.4)
give way to sth
B2 when one thing or feeling changes to a different one
Dictionary examples:
My excitement gave way to fear when I drove a car for the first time. (36.9)
way (MANNER)
C1 the manner in which someone behaves or thinks, or in which something happens
Dictionary examples:
It's amazing the way she manages to stay so calm. (26.1)
It's always the way - either I've got nothing to do or way too much. (27.6)
Don't be alarmed - it's just his way. (34.5)
He looked at me in a sinister way. (46.6)
The way he was shouting, you'd have thought he was badly hurt. (52.0)
in the same way
C1 similarly
Dictionary examples:
In the same way, there are many citizens who feel unprotected by the police. (64.2)
way (FREE SPACE)
C2 the space needed for a particular movement or action
Dictionary examples:
"Sorry, am I in your way? I'll move." (9.0)
Don't let your new friends get in the way of your studies. (17.1)
If you don't move that vase out of the way, it might get broken. (25.2)
Please make way so the ambulance can get by. (36.6)
I couldn't see the stage because there was a pillar in the way. (55.4)
make your way
C2 to be successful and make progress in your work
Dictionary examples:
He managed to make his way in the film industry. (36.5)
go out of your way to do sth
C2 to try very hard to do something pleasant for someone
Dictionary examples:
He went out of his way to make us feel welcome. (19.3)
get/have sth out of the way
C2 to finish a task or to get rid of something unpleasant
Dictionary examples:
I'll go shopping when I've got this essay out of the way. (29.8)
in no way/not in any way
C1 not at all
Dictionary examples:
This is in no way your fault. (21.5)
in a big way
C2 used to say that someone or something does something to a large degree
Dictionary examples:
They celebrate birthdays in a big way. (18.0)
by way of sth
C1 as a type of something
Dictionary examples:
He sent me some flowers by way of apology. (25.5)
get/have your (own) way
C1 to get what you want, although it might upset other people
Dictionary examples:
She always gets her own way in the end. (16.2)
be under way
C2 to be already happening
Dictionary examples:
Building work is already under way. (48.3)
give way
C2 If something gives way, it falls because it is not strong enough to support the weight on top of it.
Dictionary examples:
Suddenly the ground gave way under me. (24.6)
make way for sth
C2 to be replaced by someone or something
Dictionary examples:
They knocked down the old houses to make way for a new hotel. (31.4)
pave the way
C2 If something paves the way for something else, it makes the other thing possible.
Dictionary examples:
Scientists hope that data from the probe will pave the way for a more detailed exploration of Mars. (90.0)
(take) the easy way out
C1 to do what is easiest in a difficult situation
Dictionary examples:
I know you don't approve of his working methods, but why not take the easy way out this time and agree to his request? (47.1)
learn sth the hard way
C2 to learn something by experiencing a lot of problems or difficulty
Dictionary examples:
He doesn’t want to take my advice, so I guess he’ll have to learn the hard way. (22.1)
thread your way through/between, etc.
C2 to move carefully through a crowded place, changing direction in order to avoid people or things
Dictionary examples:
She threaded her way through the crowd. (48.2)
way (ROUTE)
A2 the route you take to get from one place to another
Dictionary examples:
I lost my way home, but found three new coffee shops! (0.0)
Is there a way to school that doesn't involve waking up? (0.0)
Is there a way to the beach that doesn't involve walking? (0.0)
Can you find your own way out of the building? (17.3)
We'll have to stop for gas on the way to the airport. (18.9)
Many people have lost their way in the forest. (22.7)
Somehow the dog found its way home. (23.1)
Do you know the way to the train station? (25.2)
The bus stopped for us to eat lunch, but within half an hour we were on our way way again. (26.9)
The fastest way through town is by the old highway. (28.6)
I've only been living in Chicago for a couple of weeks so I don't really know my way around yet. (35.1)
either way
B1 used to talk about two possibilities where the result will be the same
Dictionary examples:
Study all night or sleep through the exam - either way, you're not passing! (0.0)
Text her or call her - either way, you're still getting ignored! (0.0)
Wear a suit or pajamas to the meeting - either way, you're getting fired! (0.0)
You can get there by train or bus - either way it'll take an hour. (30.0)
He might have to resign or he might be given a desk job, but either way, his career is effectively over. (54.0)
way (METHOD)
A2 how you do something
Dictionary examples:
The teacher's way of keeping students awake: surprise quizzes! (0.0)
My way of learning English: watching cartoons all day! (0.0)
Grandma's way of using a smartphone: upside down! (0.0)
That's not the way to do it - let me show you. (14.1)
There are many ways of solving the problem. (17.6)
This method hasn't worked, so let's try your way. (20.4)
way (DIRECTION)
B1 the direction in which something is facing or travels
Dictionary examples:
The GPS said, 'Turn left,' but my dad insisted his way was right. (0.0)
The escalator was going up, but I needed a way down. (0.0)
My phone said to go this way, but my feet wanted to go home. (0.0)
a one-way street (6.2)
This bus is going the wrong way. (8.7)
Which way up should this box be? (9.9)
The numbers are the wrong way around - it should be 71, not 17. (16.2)
"Which way does the room face?" "North." (19.7)
way (DISTANCE)
B1 a distance or a period of time
Dictionary examples:
The end of this boring meeting feels like it's a long way away! (0.0)
My cat ran such a long way, I thought she was training for a marathon! (0.0)
The supermarket is such a long way, I might need a map and compass! (0.0)
We walked a long way yesterday. (12.0)
Thanksgiving seems like it's a long way away/off. (52.4)
no way
B1 used to tell someone that something is impossible
Dictionary examples:
There's no way I'll survive this boring meeting without falling asleep. (0.0)
No way am I going to the gym. My bed is too comfortable! (0.0)
No way! My cat will become a vegetarian before I eat broccoli. (0.0)
No way will she agree to you leaving early. (14.6)
I'm sorry, but there's no way we can help you. (16.4)
a/sb's way of life ()
B1 the manner in which a person lives
Dictionary examples:
His way of life involves eating pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (0.0)
His unique way of life includes brushing teeth with orange juice. (0.0)
My cat's way of life involves sleeping 23 hours a day. (0.0)
Sleeping in hotels three or four nights a week is not an ideal way of life. (42.8)
by the way
A2 used when you say something new or on a different subject
Dictionary examples:
I'm ready for the test. By the way, what subject is it? (0.0)
I finished my homework. By the way, what year is it now? (0.0)
I've packed for our trip. By the way, where are we going? (0.0)
Oh, by the way, my name's Julie. (16.1)
I think we've discussed everything we need to - by the way, what time is it? (23.9)