noun
plural ways
[count] how someone or something does something :how someone or something behaves, appears, feels, etc. - usually singular
a method or system that can be used to do something
[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
a road, path, etc. - usually singular
a door, opening, etc., that is used for going into or out of a place
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
b - 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
b - 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
[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
[count] :one of usually two possible decisions, actions, or results
[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
a long way
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
Brit :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
harm's way
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
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
in the way of
used to indicate the type of thing that is being described, thought of, etc.
in the worst way
lose your way
to become confused or uncertain about where you are :to become lost
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
mend your ways
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
parting of the ways
part ways
see your way (clear) to
to be willing to (do something)
the other way around
also chiefly Brit 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
adverb
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
US