English word aye comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₂egʰlo-, Proto-Indo-European *ag(')h-, Proto-Germanic *aiw-, Proto-Germanic *aiwi, and later Proto-Indo-European *h₂égʰos ((emotional) distress.)
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word aye.
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *h₂egʰlo- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *ag(')h- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | to frighten |
| *aiw- | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | |
| *aiwi | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | |
| *h₂égʰos | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | (emotional) distress. |
| ey | Old Norse (non) | Island. |
| æ | Old Norse (non) | Ever, at any time. |
| *agaz | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Fear; dread. |
| ege | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | Fear, terror. |
| agg | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| aye | English (eng) | Yes; yea; a word expressing assent, or an affirmative answer to a question. (archaic) ever, always An affirmative vote; one who votes in the affirmative. |