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

/ əɪ /

adverb

1. always; still

aye

²

/ aɪ /

sentence substitute

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

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

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

Origin of aye²

C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent