okay
UK[ˌəʊˈkeɪ]US[ˌoʊˈkeɪ]
adj
acceptable, satisfactory, or allowed
adv
in a satisfactory or acceptable manner
exclamation
used to express agreement, acceptance, or acknowledgment
v
to approve or authorize something
n
approval or agreement
Etymology
the word 'okay' is a quintessential americanism with a fascinating and well-documented, though folk-etymology-rich, history. its most widely accepted origin traces it to a humorous abbreviation fad in boston in the late 1830s, specifically for the misspelled phrase "oll korrect" (for "all correct"). it was further popularized by its use as a slogan in the 1840 presidential campaign of martin van buren, nicknamed "old kinderhook" (o.k.). its adoption into global vernacular was propelled by its use in early telegraphy and radio communications due to its distinct, unambiguous sound. from this specific, jocular beginning, it evolved into the universal term for assent, approval, and acceptability known today.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword and cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
is it okay if i call you tomorrow?
she nodded and said, "okay, i'll do it."
the manager needs to okay the budget before we proceed.