aye

The word “aye” means yes (used especially in voting, formal agreement, or nautical/military commands). In plain terms, "Yes" — especially the formal word used for voting or acknowledging an order.

“Aye” is pronounced ay (/eɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “aye” used in a sentence: “"All in favor?" "Aye!" the committee replied.”

Words with a similar meaning to “aye” include yes and yea.

The opposite of “aye” — its antonyms — are nay and no.

Depending on how it is used, “aye” can be an intj and a noun.

The word “aye” comes from Middle English. From Middle English ay, possibly from Old Norse ei ("ever"), though its exact link to the "yes" sense is debated by scholars.

“Aye” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Aye means yes and expresses agreement or a vote in favor, while nay means no and registers disagreement or a vote against. Both are used especially in formal votes, where a chair may call for the ayes and the nays.

In nautical use, aye aye is a reply meaning yes, I understand and will obey, typically given in response to an order from a superior. The doubling signals both understanding and compliance, setting it apart from a simple aye of agreement.

Aye survives mainly in formal voting, as in all in favor say aye, in nautical and military commands, and in some regional dialects of northern England and Scotland, where it is an everyday word for yes.

Both can mean an affirmative vote, but yea, which rhymes with day, is especially associated with recorded votes in some legislatures, while aye is standard in parliamentary and nautical contexts. In everyday meaning they overlap as ways of saying yes.