Oui

/wi/ interjection

Definition

the French word for 'yes'.

Etymology

From Old French 'oui' which evolved from Latin 'hoc ille' meaning 'that he/it [agrees]'. Through sound changes, this phrase contracted into the single word 'oui' we know today.

Kelly Says

The fascinating thing about 'oui' is that it literally came from a whole phrase that just got smooshed together over centuries—'hoc ille' eventually became one sound, which is how lots of modern words are born!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.