aye
/aɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈaɪ] /aɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈaɪ] /ˈī/ (ame, mw)
aye — adverb
1. used instead of yes to give a positive answer or show you agree, especially in S
used instead of yes to give a positive answer or show you agree, especially in Scottish or northern British speech
Aye, I can meet you outside the station at six.
aye + clause giving a direct positive reply
When Omar asked if the seats were free, I said aye.
Aye, that was the date we chose for Nina's garden party.
The old fisherman smiled and answered aye before lifting the net.
- no
direct opposite used for refusal or disagreement
文法句型
aye + clause
say aye
用法筆記
Mostly regional in Scotland and the north of England. In standard modern English, yes is the neutral choice in both speech and writing.
常見錯誤
2. used to show that you have heard an order and will carry it out, especially in n
used to show that you have heard an order and will carry it out, especially in naval language or joking imitation of it
Aye aye, Captain, I will check the ropes before dawn.
aye aye + title after receiving an order
The cadet snapped to attention and replied aye aye, sir.
When the chef told Baraka to clear the plates, he laughed and said aye aye.
The children shouted aye aye as their dad handed out jobs.
- understood
shows that the instruction has been heard
- roger
used in radio or military-style communication
- certainly
can promise action, but without the naval flavor
- no
shows refusal instead of compliance
文法句型
aye aye
aye aye + title
用法筆記
Often appears as aye aye rather than a single aye. Distinguish it from sense 1: this sense accepts an instruction and promises action, rather than simply answering yes.
常見錯誤
3. used at the start of a remark to make people notice something, often with surpri
used at the start of a remark to make people notice something, often with surprise, interest, or mild amusement
Aye, there is the missing glove under your chair.
attention-getting opener before pointing something out
Aye, so that is why the dog kept barking at the gate.
Aye, now I understand what made the class laugh at Milo's drawing.
Aye, look at the clouds rolling over the hill.
文法句型
aye, + clause
aye, look + clause
用法筆記
Often sounds old-fashioned or theatrical in modern English. Distinguish it from sense 1, which directly answers yes; this sense introduces a reaction or points something out.
4. always or continually, mainly in old-fashioned use or in some regional varieties
always or continually, mainly in old-fashioned use or in some regional varieties of English
Her grandmother aye kept a warm loaf by the stove.
aye before the main verb in a regional pattern
The two brothers were aye arguing about who would wash the pan.
In that village, the river aye runs high after winter rain.
My uncle aye says the first bus is the safest one.
- always
the normal modern standard form
- continually
more formal and often stresses repetition
- ever
older literary relative rather than a direct everyday substitute
- never
opposite meaning
文法句型
aye + verb
be + aye + -ing
用法筆記
Used mainly in older writing or regional speech. In present-day standard English, always is the normal word for this meaning.
常見錯誤
aye — noun
- ayesingular
- ayesplural
1. a vote that supports a proposal, or the person giving that vote, in a formal mee
a vote that supports a proposal, or the person giving that vote, in a formal meeting or parliament
The chair counted twelve ayes and nine noes before announcing the result.
formal vote count: ayes and noes
Each aye was recorded beside the member's name on the clerk's sheet.
When the clerk called her section, Indra answered with a clear aye.
The motion needed two more ayes to pass the budget.
- affirmative
formal term for a yes answer or vote
- yes vote
clear modern explanation of the meaning
- approval
broader and not limited to formal voting
文法句型
an aye
ayes and noes
vote aye
用法筆記
Used in formal voting contexts, especially parliamentary ones. It can name the supporting vote itself, and in some formal contexts it can also refer to a voter on the supporting side.
常見錯誤
2. said after a vote to show that the supporting side has more votes and the propos
said after a vote to show that the supporting side has more votes and the proposal therefore passes
After the count, the speaker declared, 'The ayes have it.'
fixed parliamentary formula
The chair paused, heard the loud shouts, then said the ayes have it.
When the room quieted, the clerk announced that the ayes had won the tax bill.
After the bridge debate, everyone waited to hear whether the ayes had it.
- the motion carries
modern meeting formula with the same result
- the proposal passes
plain-language paraphrase of the announcement
- the noes have it
opposite formula meaning the proposal fails
文法句型
the ayes have it
the ayes had it
用法筆記
This is a fixed result formula rather than an ordinary noun phrase. Distinguish it from sense 1, which names an individual supporting vote or voter.