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okay

okay

1.0
Good enough but not very good
  • adjective
  • /oʊˈkeɪ/
translation icon : aceptable
  • If you want your students to use the Internet only, then it is okay," Norris said.
  • feel okay
  • think it's okay
  • things are okay

Examples

  • It's okay when I'm with you, but as soon as I leave--

  • - I think she'll be able to see okay from here.

  • - Is it okay if I sleep in your room tonight?

  • Also, it is considered okay to eat in class while the class is going on.

    Academic text (2008)
  • I guess this would be okay, but even the students call me Mrs. Perfect.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Is it okay if she sets up in your lab?

  • Appears to me that everything's okay, though.

  • Asking students and their parents what is okay (and not okay) to share with peers is especially important.

    Academic text (2013)
  • I-I'm sure they'll be okay with it.

  • It is considered okay to eat in class while the class is going on.

Synonyms

fine
vsokay
1.0

In good enough condition so no one needs to worry

is equivalent but framed as a plain, everyday judgment of adequacy
all right
vsokay
1.0

Feeling healthy or good enough to use

is the same idea but defined as slightly less formal
OK
vsokay
1.0

Good enough for the purpose you need

is the full word form rather than the uppercase abbreviation
cool
vsokay
  • Informal
965 2.8

Acceptable and good enough for the situation

is the standard, neutral assessment rather than informal praise
good enough
vsokay
641 1.9

Not perfect but good for what you need

expresses the same basic idea but as a general state
decent
vsokay
487 2.3

Good enough in quality to meet normal needs

is more neutral, stressing simple acceptability rather than praise
acceptable
vsokay
477 2.5

Good enough for a particular use or standard

is more general, describing simple adequacy without formal standards
fair
vsokay
274 1.0

Average in quality or amount, neither very good nor bad

is positive about being satisfactory rather than merely average
adequate
vsokay
234 2.7

Enough in amount or quality to meet a need

focuses on general acceptability rather than strictly meeting requirements
all good
vsokay
  • Informal
139 5.4

Everything is fine with no problems or worries

is a simple assessment of acceptability rather than broad reassurance
ok
vsokay
106 1.0

Good enough but not very good

is the full word form rather than the short lowercase spelling
satisfactory
vsokay
81 2.3

Good enough to meet a need but not very good

is similar but emphasizes general acceptability over meeting criteria
so-so
vsokay
21 3.0

Neither good nor bad

is more positively framed as acceptable rather than merely mediocre
hunky-dory
vsokay
  • Informal
11 7.9

In a good state without any problems

is the neutral term for acceptability rather than cheerful slang
passable
vsokay
8 4.4

Good enough but not very good

is equivalent but often used in more general descriptions
indifferent
vsokay
5 4.4

Only average and not very good

is a plain positive judgment that accepts flaws without indifference
fair to middling
vsokay
  • Archaic
1 6.9

Medium quality, neither very good nor very bad

is modern neutral approval rather than a dated average description
middling
vsokay
1 4.6

Having average quality, neither very good nor very bad

expresses acceptability with a slightly more positive stance
alright
vsokay
  • Informal
1 1.1

In a way that is good enough but not very good

is the neutral evaluation rather than informal phrasing
goodish
vsokay
1 5.0

A bit more than average in size, amount, or quality

leans more neutral, focusing on basic acceptability rather than relative goodness

Antonyms

838 1.0

Not good enough in quality or amount

256 3.2

Not good enough or not allowed by rules

How Good

excellent
1.0
good
1.0
okay
1.0
decent
487 2.3
adequate
234 2.7

Surface Forms

okay positive
okayer comparative
okayest superlative

Etymology

The adjective okay comes from O.K. meaning 'all correct', so calling something okay says it is 'acceptable' or good enough rather than excellent.