way

I UK [weɪ] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "way":
singular way plural ways
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Other words meaning way:

method a way of doing something that involves following a detailed plan: He has his own method of making coffee. means a way that makes it possible to do something: Unfortunately, we have no means of storing the information. system a way of doing something that involves following an organized set of rules: They've been using the American spelling system for many years now. procedure a way of doing something that involves doing specific activities in a particular order: He asked whether the interrogation was normal police procedure. technique a way of doing something that involves using particular skills: I'll show you the technique for opening this lock. strategy a way of achieving an aim that involves detailed planning: a strategy to reduce the deficit

1) a method for doing something

way (that):

There are so many delicious ways you can prepare chicken.

way of doing something:

Is there any way of contacting you while you're in Africa?

way to do something:

The students are learning new ways to communicate in writing.

a) the manner or style in which something happens or is done

way (that):

I love to watch the way she plays with the children.

no way to do something (= not the right thing to do):

That's no way to talk to your mother.

b) someone's individual manner of behaving or speaking

someone's way of doing something:

Have you noticed her irritating way of interrupting when you talk?

change your ways (= behave much better):

Greg has really changed his ways since he went to prison.

in someone's own way (= a style of doing something that is not obvious to other people):

In his own way he really is trying to help.

c) what someone wants to do or how they want to behave

get/have your way (= be allowed to have or do what you want):

The government are unlikely to get their way on this issue.

go your own way (= behave in an independent manner):

His parents must realize that he will soon go his own way.

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See:

easy I, hard I, will II

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Collocations:
Adjectives frequently used with way
▪  best, cheapest, easiest, quickest, safest, simplest, surest

2)

a) a particular aspect of something, or a particular attitude towards something

It's not right, whichever way you think about it.

in more ways than one (= from many aspects):

The evening was a great success, in more ways than one.

in a way (= from one point of view):

In a way, I agree with you.

b) if you share or divide something several ways, you give parts of it to several people

Let's split the money three ways.

3) the particular road, path, or track that you use to go from one place to another

I don't think this is the right way.

way to:

Is this the way to the Eiffel Tower?

show/tell someone the way:

Could you please show me the way to the temple?

know the way:

Does Tim know the way to your house from here?

lose your way (= become lost while going to a place):

The tourists lost their way and had to ask for directions.

across the way (= on the other side of the street etc):

There's a petrol station just across the way.

a) the direction in which something is standing or moving

The bathroom is this way.

Rachel just looked the other way.

Look both ways before crossing the road.

The car was going the wrong way.

b) the journey or distance from one place to another

There was still a little way to go.

all the/this/that way:

You came all this way just to see me?

The children were arguing all the way home.

c) a period of time

A decision would still be a long way in the future.

d) Way used in the name of streets

on the corner of Garden Street and Admiral Way

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See:

lead I, right of way

4)

a) a method of going into or out of a place

Tell them to leave by the back way.

b) a method of making progress

force your way into (= use force to get into a place):

The crowd forced their way into the building.

not stand/get in someone's way (= not prevent someone from doing what they want):

I won't stand in your way if you're really determined.

5)

a) the area or position in which a place is

They live out Cambridge way.

b) the space or area that a person is using at a particular time

be/get in the way (= be in the same place as someone, making it difficult for them to do things):

You'll get in the way if you stay in the kitchen.

be/get in someone's way:

Can I move the books? They're in my way.

6) a situation or condition

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be/get/keep out of the/someone's way — to be or stay away from the area where someone is so that you do not annoy them or make it difficult for them to do something

Make sure the kids keep out of the way while I'm working.

be on the/its way — to be about to arrive or happen

Your parcel is on its way.

Economists fear a recession is on the way.

on the/its way to (doing) something:

Ballroom dancing could be on its way to becoming an Olympic sport.

down/up/over etc someone's way — in the area where someone lives, works etc

I'll be over your way tonight, we should meet up.

in no/not in any way, shape, or form — used for emphasizing that something is not true or possible

He is not in any way, shape, or form trying to escape his responsibility.

know your way around (something) — to be very familiar with a particular place or activity

Ellie knew her way around pretty well.

He seems to know his way around the shipping industry.

on/along the way — while going somewhere

On the way home we saw a terrible car accident.

Can we stop at the supermarket along the way?

on the/your way — close to the road or path that you are using, and therefore convenient to visit

The house is on my way, so I'll call by.

the right/wrong/other way (round/up) — the position in which an object is placed or held, especially in relation to the correct position

She was wearing her top the wrong way round.

that's/it's always the way — used for saying that something always happens in a way that is annoying

That's always the way, isn't it? When you forget your umbrella, it rains.

way out/around — a method of solving a problem, or of avoiding a difficult situation

Housing developers are looking for a way around the law.

talk/think/bribe etc your way out of something (= use words, intelligence, money etc to avoid trouble):

You can't talk your way out of trouble this time.

a way into publishing/medicine/journalism etc — a situation or advantage that will allow you to get a particular job

I began making TV commercials as a way into television.

- all the way

- be in a bad way

- be on your way

- by a long way

- by the way

- by way of something

- come someone's way

- either way

- get in the way of something

- get into the way of doing something

- get something out of the way

- give way

- go a way towards something

- go out of your way to do something

- have it both ways

- have a way of doing something

- have a way with

- in a big way

- in the way of

- no two ways about it

- no way

- one way or another

- out of your way

- to my way of thinking

- a way off

- way to go

- that's the way

- the way to go

- ways and means

- the way things are

See:

find I, long I, long I, make I, separate I, way of life, Ways and Means Committee

II UK [weɪ] / US adverb informal

1) by a large amount or distance

way above/over/under:

The cost of a new car is way above my means.

way ahead/beyond/behind/back/off:

Michael was way ahead of the other runners.

Dan saw a plane way off in the distance.

2) mainly American very

We were way tired after the hike.

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- way back