okay

Everyday

1. Okay means all right, fine, not hurt or not upset: are you okay? tree →
2. Okay means acceptable, allowed: is it okay if I go? tree →
3. Okay means quite good but not very good: the film was okay. tree →
4. «Okay!» means yes, I agree. tree →
5. Okay is used to start or change a topic: okay, let's begin. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety lessons «Are you okay?» is the first question to someone who fell or looks upset; if they are not okay, get an adult. In lessons about feelings: it's okay to feel sad, angry or scared, and it's okay to say no. In stories «okay» sounds informal and modern. Phrases: it's okay, are you okay, okay with, that's okay, OK sign.

Examples

• Are you okay? That was a big fall. tree →
• Is it okay if I borrow your pencil? tree →
• It's okay to cry when you're sad. tree →
• Okay, everyone, please sit down. tree →
• The food was okay, but not amazing. tree →
• «Can we go to the park?» «Okay!» tree →
• I'm okay now, thanks. tree →
• Is it okay with your parents if you stay for tea? tree →

Note

Spelled «okay» or «OK» (both correct; «ok» in small letters is informal). Very informal in formal writing; in a letter or test answer use «all right», «acceptable» or «fine». The verb forms are okayed/OK'd. «It's okay» does not mean you must agree with something that feels wrong.