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

Such versatility on the part of the staff can also be seen in teacher Osama Jahjouh’s fashioning of a nay - or traditional flute - out of a plastic pipe, because the Conservatory nays have been lost.

From BBC

The legislature voluntarily, nay, eagerly, abdicated its responsibility when it could have used skepticism and restraint.

From Salon

She looked mostly like this while saying it — eyes askance, either pre-or-post hand on chin — a vibe, nay, a mood that she carried throughout most of the debate.

From Salon

I mean, college was stressful, sometimes depressing and often a bit of a slog, but it was also the only time of my life when I was encouraged, nay mandated, to be a philosopher.

From Salon

“There is no option to vote nay,” she said.

From Seattle Times