[neɪ], (Adverb)

Definitions:
- or rather (used to emphasize a more appropriate word than one just used)
(e.g: permission to build the superstore will take months, nay years)

- no
(e.g: nay, I must not think thus)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (in nay): from Old Norse nei, from ne ‘not’ + ei ‘ever’ (compare with aye)

[neɪ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a negative answer
(e.g: the cabinet sits to give the final yea or nay to policies)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (in nay): from Old Norse nei, from ne ‘not’ + ei ‘ever’ (compare with aye)