English Reference
adjective · adverb · interjection · verb · noun

okay

adj. · adv. · interj. · v. · n.
US /ˌoʊˈkeɪ/ okay UK spelling okayed, okaying, okays

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Informal

    adj.good enough, but not excellent.

    adj.satisfactory or acceptable in quality, though not necessarily exceptional.

    Simple

    The food at the new café was okay, but the service was slow.

    In context

    While the initial draft was okay, the editor felt it required more rigorous analysis to meet the journal's publication standards.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Informal

    adj.feeling well, healthy, or not hurt.

    adj.in a satisfactory physical or mental state; unharmed.

    Simple

    Are you okay after that fall, or do you need to sit down?

    In context

    The paramedics confirmed that the driver was okay, though they recommended a follow-up appointment to rule out a concussion.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary Informal

    adv.in a way that is good enough.

    adv.in a satisfactory or adequate manner.

    Simple

    He speaks French okay, so he can order food and ask for directions.

    In context

    The system performed okay during the stress test, although it struggled slightly when the number of concurrent users peaked.

    adequatelypassably
  4. 04 A2 Elementary Informal

    interj.used to show that you agree or that you understand.

    interj.used to express agreement, concurrence, or understanding of a statement.

    Simple

    Okay, I will meet you at the station at six o'clock.

    In context

    Okay, let's proceed with the original plan since the alternative seems too risky for the current budget.

    all rightvery well
    no
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to give permission for something to happen.

    v.to give official approval or permission for a plan or request.

    Simple

    The manager finally okayed the budget for our summer project.

    In context

    The board of directors okayed the merger after several weeks of intense negotiations regarding the new company's leadership structure.

    approveauthorisegreenlight
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.permission to do something.

    n.an act of approval or permission.

    Simple

    We are just waiting for the boss to give us the okay.

    In context

    Once we receive the final okay from the legal department, we can begin distributing the marketing materials to our regional partners.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated