intj
Common
aye
ay
Aye (intj) means Yes (used especially in voting, formal agreement, or nautical/military commands). Example: “Aye, I'll help you carry the boxes," the old fisherman said with a smile.”
intj
1
Yes (used especially in voting, formal agreement, or nautical/military commands).
""Aye, I'll help you carry the boxes," the old fisherman said with a smile."
""All in favor?" "Aye!" the committee replied."
""Aye, aye, captain," the sailor answered."
noun
1
A vote in favor of something.
"The motion passed because there were more ayes than noes in the room."
"She cast her aye with a quick raise of the hand."
"The ayes have it — the motion passes."
How to use aye
Learner’s notesIn plain English"Yes" — especially the formal word used for voting or acknowledging an order.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "ay" (an exclamation of pain) or "eye" (the body part) — all three are pronounced alike.
Common pairings
aye, aye
the ayes have it
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Word forms
- Plural
- ayes
- Third person singular
- ayes
- Past tense
- ayed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, I'll help you carry the boxes," the old fisherman said with a smile.
Etymology
From Middle English ay, possibly from Old Norse ei ("ever"), though its exact link to the "yes" sense is debated by scholars.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for aye
See all rhymes for aye →Frequently asked questions
What does “aye” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “aye”?
“Aye” is pronounced ay (/eɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “aye” in a sentence?
Here is “aye” used in a sentence: “"All in favor?" "Aye!" the committee replied.”
What is another word for “aye”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aye” include yes and yea.
What is the opposite of “aye”?
The opposite of “aye” — its antonyms — are nay and no.
What part of speech is “aye”?
Depending on how it is used, “aye” can be an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “aye” come from?
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.
Is “aye” a common word?
“Aye” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'aye' and 'nay'?
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.
Why do sailors say 'aye aye'?
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.
Where is the word 'aye' typically used today?
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.
What is the difference between 'aye' and 'yea'?
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.
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