aye
[ ahy ]
/ aɪ /
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adverb
yes.
noun
an affirmative vote or voter, especially in British Parliament, corresponding to yea in U.S. Congress.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Also ay .
Origin of aye
First recorded in 1570–80; earlier spelling I, of uncertain origin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use aye in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for aye (1 of 2)
aye1
ay
/ (aɪ) /
sentence substitute
yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice
aye aye
- an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen
- British an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc
noun
- a person who votes in the affirmative
- an affirmative vote
Compare nay
Word Origin for aye
C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent
British Dictionary definitions for aye (2 of 2)
aye2
/ (əɪ) /
adverb
Scot always; still
Word Origin for aye
Old Norse ei ever; Old English ā; compare Latin aevum an age, Greek aion aeon, aiei ever, always
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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