nay

[ ney ]

adverb

1. and not only so but; not only that but also; indeed:

   many good, nay, noble qualities.

2. Archaic. no (used in dissent, denial, or refusal).

noun

1. a denial or refusal.
2. a negative vote or voter.

nay

/ neɪ /

sentence substitute

1. archaic.
   an archaic or dialect (except in voting by voice) word for no 1

noun

1. 1. a person who votes in the negative
   2. a negative vote

adverb

1. archaic.
   sentence modifier an emphatic form of no 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of nay¹

1125–75; Middle English nai, nei < Old Norse nei no, contraction of ne not + ei ever; na, ay ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nay¹

C12: from Old Norse nei, from ne not + ei ever, ay ¹

Example Sentences

We are training not isolated men but a living group of men—nay, a group within a group.

From The Daily Beast

The food that has crossed the lips of almost every person familiar with crowdfunding—nay, the Internet—is potato salad.

From The Daily Beast

The vote in the Senate was 81-18, with 27 Republicans voting aye and 18 nay.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, the Democratic majority holds the votes to confirm Hagel even if Republicans unanimously vote "nay."

From The Daily Beast

But Pletka defies logic from the get-go: "First, the nay-sayers, because denying the charge is actually easier than leveling it."

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps their course is wiser than that which hot impatience would prompt—nay, I believe it is.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay; I see fresh reasons for my hope that such concession is far nearer than is generally imagined.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay, as including these services and others, though as different from each of them, they give its delineation.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no question as to the ecstatic, nay frenzied state many of them attained.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay, I quarrel not with the lodging; I only complain of the board—and now wouldst thou know my story.

From Project Gutenberg