Okay With Me: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on

January 4, 2024

"Okay with me" is commonly used to express agreement or acceptance regarding a situation, proposal, or plan. It indicates that the speaker is comfortable with the circumstances or decisions being discussed. This phrase can apply to various situations, from casual plans to formal agreements.

In short:

It signals agreement or acceptance of a situation or proposal.
It is often used to convey comfort or lack of objection in various contexts.

What Does "Okay With Me" Mean?

The phrase "okay with me" means that the person speaking has no objections or negative feelings about what is being proposed or happening. It's a way of saying that they are comfortable with the plans or ideas being presented. For example, if someone asks, "Is it okay if we meet at 5 PM?" and you respond with "That's okay with me," it means you agree with and accept the proposed meeting time.

More about the phrase's meaning:

It's a simple way of showing agreement or consent.
The phrase is often used in informal and casual conversations.
It can be used in response to a question or to express your stance on a topic.
"Okay with me" is versatile and can be used in personal, social, and professional contexts.
Similar phrases include "fine by me," "works for me," and "I'm okay with that."

Where Does "Okay With Me" Come From?

The term “okay” is believed to have originated in the United States around the mid-19th century. One popular theory suggests that it comes from the phrase “oll korrect,” a humorous misspelling of “all correct” common in the slang of the time. The phrase “okay with me” and its variants like “it’s okay by me” or “it’s okay for me” are commonly used in the English language.

10 Examples of "Okay With Me" in Sentences

Here are some examples to show you how to use this phrase in various situations:

She was happy as a lark when I said it was okay with me to extend her vacation
She said it was okay with her to share her notes from the class.
He asked if he could borrow the car for the weekend, and I said it was okay with me.
The refurbished library looks good. If you want them to handle the renovations in the classrooms, too, it's okay with me.
It had been quite a while since we last met, but having a spontaneous coffee catch-up was okay with me.
It's okay with me if you want to watch a different movie tonight.
If you need to postpone our lunch to next week, that’s okay with me.
Finding common ground in our community project was okay with me; that's the best way to move forward from the setbacks.
Choosing the vacation spot is okay with me; I'm happy with any destination.
Suggesting we call off the outdoor event was okay with me, as safety was our top priority.

Examples of "Okay With Me" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also seen in pop culture, reflecting agreement or consent in a variety of contexts.

Let's look at some examples:

The movie "Once Upon a Time in America" features a line by Noodles: "Today they asked us to get rid of Joe, tomorrow they ask me to get rid of you. Is that okay with you? 'Cause it's not okay with me!"
The TV show "Normal People" features the song "It's Okay with Me" by Broadway Express, contributing to the emotional depth and narrative of the series.
The Michigan Daily's article "Reclaiming my attention span: My week without TikTok" includes a reflection on digital detox, stating, "Friends mentioned trends that I hadn’t encountered, people around me used terminology that I didn’t quite understand, and I began to feel like I was left out of an inside joke everyone was in on. It was okay with me."

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Okay With Me"

Here are some alternative phrases that express the same idea:

Fine by me
Works for me
I'm okay with that
Sounds good to me
I have no problem with that
I'm good with that
That suits me
That's agreeable to me
I'm comfortable with that
No objections here

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Okay With Me":

What does "okay with me" mean?

"Okay with me" means that the speaker has no objections or negative feelings about a situation, proposal, or decision, indicating agreement or acceptance.

Can "okay with me" be used in formal situations?

While it’s more casual in tone, "okay with me" can be used in less formal professional situations as a way of showing agreement.

Is "okay with me" a polite phrase?

Yes, it is generally considered polite and is a non-confrontational way of expressing agreement or consent.

Can "okay with me" imply indifference?

Sometimes, it might imply a lack of strong preference rather than active agreement, depending on the speaker's tone.

Is there a difference between "okay with me" and "fine by me"?

Not significantly; both phrases are used to express agreement or acceptance, though "fine by me" might occasionally suggest a slight reluctance.

How can "okay with me" be used in a sentence?

It can be used to express agreement, as in: "If you want to lead the meeting, that's okay with me."

Can "okay with me" be used to give permission?

Yes, it is often used to give informal permission or consent, such as in responding to a request.

Is "okay with me" appropriate for written communication?

It can be used in written communication, especially in informal contexts like emails or messages among acquaintances.

Are there situations where "okay with me" should be avoided?

In very formal or official contexts, more formal language may be appropriate to convey agreement or consent.

Can "okay with me" be used in negotiations?

It can be used in informal negotiations or discussions to indicate flexibility or agreement with a proposal.

Final Thoughts About "Okay With Me"

The expression "okay with me" is a useful and straightforward way to express agreement or consent in a range of situations. It's versatile, suitable for casual conversations and some professional settings, and is generally seen as a polite and non-confrontational response.
To recap: