Ways to Say OK

The word okay

The word okay can act as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.

Its meaning changes slightly when it is used in different ways.

When speakers use okay as a noun, they usually mean “approval or permission.”

For example, a coworker might tell you, “The boss gave her okay.” This is an informal way of saying that the boss gave her permission.

The verb form of okay has a similar meaning. It means to approve something.

So, a coworker could tell you “The boss okay’ed this project.”

This means the boss approved the project. This use is informal but you will hear it often, even in professional settings.

Finally, there is the adjective form of okay. It means fairly good, or not bad. So, you might hear an American say, “The new boss seems like an okay person.”

This statement does not praise the new boss. Rather, it means that there is nothing remarkable about the new boss. He or she is okay – not great and not bad.

Here are 15 ways to say “OK”.