The meaning of NAY is —used to correct what has just been said by replacing a word with one that is more accurate or appropriate. How to use nay in a sentence.
NAY meaning: 1. used to introduce a second and more extreme phrase in a sentence when the first phrase was not…. Learn more.
NAY definition: and not only so but; not only that but also; indeed. See examples of nay used in a sentence.
In Early Modern English, nay was used to respond to a positive question, while no was used to respond to a negative question. Over time, this distinction disappeared.
- 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). n. 3. a denial or refusal. 4. a negative vote or voter. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
You use nay in front of a stronger word or phrase which you feel is more correct than the one you have just used and helps to emphasize the point you are making.
There are 20 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word nay, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
nay, adv.¹ & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
indeed: many good, nay, noble qualities. [Archaic.]no (used in dissent, denial, or refusal). n. a denial or refusal. a negative vote or voter. ‘T’ain’t the easy times what shape us, nay. I managed to turn my snore into a nay. Ix-nay the ooze-bay. Ankers-bay [pig Latin] nay, that I would set...