Definition of yes
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
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Examples of yes in a Sentence
yes, I'll be ready for the test tomorrow
Origin and Etymology of yes
Middle English, from Old English gēse
Examples of yes in a Sentence
We need a yes to go ahead with the project.
She answered all the questions with yeses and nos.
Recent Examples of yes from the Web
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SHAKE UP YOUR SHOWER Shake up your shower routine with the new Yes to Shower Cocktail Body Washes.
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Pai did not give a definitive yes-or-no answer to the question of whether the number of pro-net neutrality comments would make any difference in his decision.
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If moderates won’t take yes for an answer, Senate leaders could engage in a little more give and take by tapping Obamacare’s exchange subsidies.
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NO only means no at that particular time, YES is only another visit away.
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James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: GDP should grow slightly faster in the second half and the unemployment rate may continue to fall.
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YES; Radio: 97.9, 660 BASKETBALL BOATING 1 p.m.: Sailing America's Cup: Finals.
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For the past six months, Eisen has been waging a litigation war against its current occupant and his yes-to-everything approach to balancing his public office and private business.
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The artists of the era, actual dedicated album-cover artists, most notably Roger Dean, who did the Yes covers (and who now, perhaps predictably, does video games).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yes.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of yes
1712
YES Defined for English Language Learners
yes
playDefinition of yes for English Language Learners
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—used to give a positive answer or reply to a question, request, or offer
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—used to express agreement with an earlier statement or to say that statement is true
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—used to introduce a statement that corrects or disagrees with an earlier negative statement
yes
Definition of yes for English Language Learners
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: a positive reply : an answer of yes
YES Defined for Kids
Definition of yes for Students
1 —used to express agreement in answer to a question, request, or offer or with an earlier statement “Are you ready?” “Yes, I am.” Yes, I think you are right.
2 —used to introduce a phrase with greater emphasis or clearness We are glad, yes, very glad to see you!
3 —used to show uncertainty or polite interest Yes? Who's there? Yes, what can I do for you?
4 —used to indicate excitement Yes! We won!
Learn More about yes
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See words that rhyme with yes Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for yes Spanish Central: Translation of yes Nglish: Translation of yes for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of yes for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yes
Seen and Heard
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