What is the exact spelling of the word pronounced [nei], when you mean to escalate your point by stating something, [nei] something with greater power ?
Example: With this book you shall learn, [nei] understand the topic.
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Nay
or rather (used to emphasize a more appropriate word than one just used) ‘permission to build the superstore will take months, nay years’ - OLD
Regarding the etymology of the word:
Early Modern English had a four-form system of yes and no, where yes and no were used to answer negatively phrased questions (e.g., "Will he not go?") whilst yea and nay were used to answer positively phrased questions (e.g., "Will he go?"). Since the sort of questions voted on by assemblies are positively phrased, I'd imagine that the legislative use of yea and nay is a relic of this earlier usage. - Why say "nay" when you could say "no"
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"Or rather" that's how I know it in this context. Thanks! – Иво Недев Nov 23 '17 at 09:13
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You're welcome! I'll update my answer with that sense. – Gary Nov 23 '17 at 09:14