Word
nay
US/ˈneɪ/
UK/nˈeɪ/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01even more so
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Formal
adv. you use this to introduce a stronger word or a more important point.
adv. used to introduce a more emphatic or precise word than the one just used, often to intensify a description.
“It was a difficult task, nay, an impossible one.”
“The proposal was considered ambitious, nay, revolutionary by the standards of the time.”
Usage
Usually placed between two adjectives or phrases to intensify the second one.
Synonyms
02no
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Dialect
adv. an old way of saying 'no'.
adv. an archaic or dialectal negative response equivalent to 'no'.
“"Nay, my lord," the servant replied, bowing low.”
“The villagers answered with a collective 'nay' when asked if they would support the new tax.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, this is almost exclusively found in period dramas, historical novels, or specific regional dialects.
Synonyms
03a negative vote
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. a vote against something, or a person who votes 'no'.
n. a negative vote in a formal legislative or committee setting.
“The motion failed with twelve ayes and fifteen nays.”
“After a heated debate, the speaker called for a voice vote, and the nays clearly outweighed the ayes.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural 'nays' when counting votes.
Real-World Examples
“This can become frenetic but you can always cross through a night in the diary with BED in capital letters and there is no one to say nay to that.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/nay