OK (/ ˌoʊˈkeɪ / ⓘ), with spelling variations including okay, O.K. and many others, is an English word (originating in American English) denoting approval, acceptance, agreement, assent, acknowledgment, or a sign of indifference. OK is frequently used as a loanword in other languages.

Understanding the Context

How do you spell OK vs. okay? Learn the correct spelling of OK vs. okay & other commonly misspelled words & phrases in the English language.

Key Insights

“OK” is more informal and versatile, while “Okay” is more formal and emphatic. Understanding these subtle differences can help you choose the right word for the right situation. When you’re expressing assent to something, or conveying that you’re all right, in writing or text, do you use “OK” or “okay”? Chances are you’ve used both. You certainly see both forms pretty...

Final Thoughts

What Is the Origin of the "Okay"? The abbreviation "OK" (which later turned into the globally used word "okay") was first noted in 1839 in the office of Charles Gordon Greene at the Boston Morning Post. "OK" initially stood for "Oll Korrect" (a deliberate misspelling for "all correct"). Definitions of okay adjective being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition “things are okay ” synonyms: all right, fine, hunky-dory, o.k., ok satisfactory giving satisfaction What Are “Okay” and “Ok”? We use okay/ok to show agreement, acceptance, approval, or that everything is fine. You probably use it many times every day: Both forms are common in speech and writing.

However, they are not always interchangeable — especially in formal English. This lesson will help you master both. What Do They Mean? You can say ` Okay?