ways

1 of 2

noun

ˈwāz 

plural in form but singular in construction

: way sense 6

a long ways from home

-ways

2 of 2

adverb suffix

: in (such) a way, course, direction, or manner

sideways

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wayes, from genitive of way entry 1

Adverb suffix

Middle English, from ways, genitive of way

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ways

• a ways to go
• change one's ways
• cut both ways
• go our/their/your several ways
• go separate ways
• in many ways
• in more ways than one
• mend one's ways
• no two ways about it
• parting of the ways
• part ways
• set in one's ways
• stuck in one's ways
• swing both ways
• the error of one's ways
• the way/ways of the world
• ways and means
• wise in the ways of

Kids Definition

-ways

adverb suffix

ˌwāz

: in such a way, course, direction, or manner

sideways

Etymology

Adverb suffix

derived from Middle English way "course, route"