aye

[ahy]

adverb

1. yes.

noun

1. an affirmative vote or voter, especially in British Parliament, corresponding to yea in U.S. Congress.

aye

¹

/ aɪ /

1. yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice

2. 1. an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen

   2. an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc

noun

1. 1. a person who votes in the affirmative

   2. an affirmative vote

aye

²

/ əɪ /

adverb

1. always; still

Word History and Origins

Origin of aye¹

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier spelling I, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aye¹

C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent

Origin of aye²

Old Norse ei ever; Old English ā; compare Latin aevum an age, Greek aion aeon, aiei ever, always

Example Sentences

“You’ll have to ask Madame Ionesco. Whatever she saw in her orb of prognostication, so far she’s kept it to herself. Anyway. ‘Aye aye, Madame,’ I reply.

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“Aye aye, Madame Gypsy Cake!” the children answered, saluting.

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“Aye. Look! I’m starting to see some letters! Although the prose looks a bit odd...”

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“Aye aye, Captain. Seasick anyway.”

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“Aye, aye, Captain Admiral, sir!”

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