way

(wā)

noun

1. a. A road, path, or highway affording passage from one place to another.
   b. An opening affording passage: This door is the only way into the attic.
2. a. Space to proceed: cleared the way for the parade.
   b. Opportunity to advance: opened the way to peace.
3. A course that is or may be used in going from one place to another: tried to find the shortest way home.
4. Progress or travel along a certain route or in a specific direction: on his way north.
5. A course of conduct or action: tried to take the easy way out.
6. A manner or method of doing: several ways of solving this problem; had no way to reach her.
7. A usual or habitual manner or mode of being, living, or acting: the American way of life.
8. An individual or personal manner of behaving, acting, or doing: Have it your own way.
9. also ways (wāz) (used with a sing. verb) Informal Distance: The travelers have come a long way. That village is a good ways off.
10. a. A specific direction: He glanced my way.
    b. A participant. Often used in combination: a three-way conversation.
11. a. An aspect, particular, or feature: resembles his father in many ways; in no way comparable.
    b. Nature or category: not much in the way of a plot.
12. Freedom to do as one wishes: if I had my way.
13. An aptitude or facility: She certainly does have a way with words.
14. A state or condition: He is in a bad way financially.
15. Vicinity: Drop in when you're out our way.
16. A longitudinal strip on a surface that serves to guide a moving machine part. Often used in the plural.
17. ways (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Nautical The structure on which a ship is built and from which it slides when launched.

adverb

1. Informal By a great distance or to a great degree; far: way off base; way too expensive.
2. Slang Very; extremely: “Can they really make a car that's way cool?” (Fortune).
3. Informal From this place; away: Go way.

Usage Note: Way has long been an intensifying adverb meaning “to a great degree,” as in way over budget. This usage is both acceptable and common but has an informal ring. • Way is also used as a general intensifier, as in way cool and way depressing. This locution has expanded beyond its original range of younger speakers, but it is still regarded as slang. • In American English ways is often used as an equivalent of way in phrases such as a long ways to go. The usage is acceptable but is usually considered informal.