Main Entry:

¹yes

Pronunciation:

\ˈyes\

Function:

adverb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English gēse

Date:

before 12th century

1 —used as a function word to express assent or agreement <are you ready? Yes, I am> 2 —used as a function word usually to introduce correction or contradiction of a negative assertion or direction <don't say that! Yes, I will> 3 —used as a function word to introduce a more emphatic or explicit phrase 4 —used as a function word to indicate uncertainty or polite interest or attentiveness