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way

1 way /ˈweɪ/ noun
plural ways
1 way
/ˈweɪ/
noun
plural ways
Britannica Dictionary definition of WAY
[count]
: how someone or something does something : how someone or something behaves, appears, feels, etc. usually singular
often followed by to + verb
often used with in
: a method or system that can be used to do something
often followed by to + verb
often + of
[count] : a person's usual habits, actions, qualities, etc.
[count]
: the series of roads, paths, etc., that can be used to go from one place to another usually singular
often used figuratively to refer to a series of actions, procedures, etc., that can be used to achieve something
: a road, path, etc. usually singular
often used in names
: a door, opening, etc., that is used for going into or out of a place
often used figuratively
◊ In British English a door or passage that leads outside or to an exit door is often marked Way Out, while in U.S. English it is marked Exit.
[count]
: the route along which someone or something is moving or intends to move : the area in front of a moving person or thing
see also in the way, on the way, out of the way (below)
used with her, his, their, its, your, and our to describe someone or something that is moving forward, going somewhere, etc.
[count]
: a specified or indicated direction
used with her, his, their, its, your, and our to say that someone or something is moving toward or coming to a particular person or thing
[singular] : a distance
often used figuratively
see also all the way (below), ways
[singular] informal : the area or region where someone lives
[count]
: a particular part of something that is being thought about or discussed used with in
: a manner of thinking about or considering something
[singular] : the situation that exists
10 
[count] : one of usually two possible decisions, actions, or results
see also go either way (below)
11 
[count] : one of a specified number of usually equal parts into which something (such as an amount of money) is divided

all the way

: to the full or entire extent : as far as possible
: throughout an entire process or period of time
: to the fullest and most complete extent
: over an entire distance
see also go all the way (below), 1way 6 (above)

a long way

see 1long

by the way

used in speech to introduce a statement or question that may or may not relate to the current topic of conversation

by way of

: by traveling through (a place) : via
: for the purpose of giving, making, or doing (something specified)

change your ways

: to improve your behavior, habits, or beliefs

clear the way

: to make the area through which someone or something is trying to pass open and able to be used
: to allow something to happen or develop

give way

: to break apart and fall down
formal : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing
: to be replaced by something specified often + to
British : to allow another car or person to go ahead of you or in front of you often + to

go all the way

informal
sports : to win a championship, title, etc.
: to have sex with someone

go either way

used to say that either of two possible results is likely to occur and that neither is more likely than the other

go out of your way

: to make a special effort to do something

go someone's way

: to travel in the same direction as someone
: to happen in a way that helps someone

go your own way

: to do the things that you want to do rather than doing the things that other people expect you to do

go your separate ways

see 1separate

harm's way

see 1harm

have a way of

◊ If someone or something has a way of being or doing something, the person or thing often has that characteristic or frequently does that thing.

have a way with

: to be able to use (something) or to deal with (something or someone) well

have/get your (own) way

: to get or do what you want to get or do despite the desires, plans, etc., of other people
often disapproving

have your way with

: to do exactly what you want to do to or with (something or someone)
especially : to have sex with (someone, and especially someone over whom you have control, influence, etc.)

in any way, shape, or form

: under any circumstances or conditions

in the way

or in someone's or something's way
: making it more difficult for a person to do something : preventing something from happening
see also 1way 4a (above)

in the way of

used to indicate the type of thing that is being described, thought of, etc.

in the worst way

see 1worst

lose your way

: to become confused or uncertain about where you are : to become lost
often used figuratively

make way

: to create a path or open space so that someone or something can use it

make your way

: to move forward usually by following a path
often used figuratively

mend your ways

see 1mend

no two ways about it

used to say that something is definitely true

no way

informal
used to say that you will definitely not do something
US used to show that you are very surprised by something or do not believe that something is true

on the way

or on someone's or something's way
: in a state of development : in progress
: moving from one place to another place
: changing from one level or condition to another level or condition

on the way out

or on someone's or something's way out
: leaving a place or position
: becoming no longer popular

out of the way

: far from other places that are well-known
: done or dealt with completely
: unusual or remarkable see also out-of-the-way, 1way 4a (above)

parting of the ways

see 1parting

part ways

see 2part

see your way (clear) to

: to be willing to (do something)

the other way around

also chiefly British the other way round
: in the opposite position, direction, or order
used to say that the opposite situation is true

the way

informal
used to say what someone's way of speaking, behaving, etc., seems to suggest
used to say that something happens or is done with the same attitude, at the same pace, etc., as something else

the way/ways of the world

: how things happen or how people behave

way of life

: the habits, customs, and beliefs of a particular person or group of people
: an important activity, job, etc., that affects all parts of someone's life

way to go

US, informal
used to tell someone that he or she has done something well

work your way

see 1work
2 way /ˈweɪ/ adverb
2 way
/ˈweɪ/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of WAY
informal
always followed by an adverb or preposition : to a great distance or extent : very far
: by a great amount
always followed by an adjective, US : very

way back

: from a time in the distant past