nay
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for nay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — An old-fashioned or formal way to say "no."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adv
An old-fashioned or formal way to say "no."
“Nay, I will not agree to those terms.”
2. noun
A vote against a proposal.
“Recently senators could fax in their yeas or nays to the committee chairman.”
Opposites
How to use nay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ayes and nays
vote nay
Rare in everyday speech today outside of formal votes ("all in favor... all opposed, nay") or deliberately old-fashioned writing.
Etymology
From Old Norse nei, "no" — a contraction of ne ("not") and ei ("ever"). A doublet of the modern word "no."
Full origin of nay →Frequently asked questions
What does “nay” mean?
The word “nay” means an old-fashioned or formal way to say "no.". In plain terms, an old or formal word for "no," or a vote against something.
How do you pronounce “nay”?
“Nay” is pronounced nay (/neɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “nay” in a sentence?
Here is “nay” used in a sentence: “Nay, I will not agree to those terms.”
What part of speech is “nay”?
Depending on how it is used, “nay” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “nay” come from?
The word “nay” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse nei, "no" — a contraction of ne ("not") and ei ("ever"). A doublet of the modern word "no.".
Is “nay” a common word?
“Nay” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nay” have?
“Nay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old-fashioned or formal way to say "no.".
