yes

1 of 2

adverb

ˈyes 

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

yes

2 of 2

noun

plural yeses also yesses

: an affirmative reply : yea

Synonyms

Adverb

• all right
• alright
• aye
• ay
• exactly
• OK
• okay
• okeydoke
• okeydokey
• yea
• yeah
• yep
• yo

Noun

• affirmative
• yea

Examples of yes in a Sentence

Adverb

yes, I'll be ready for the test tomorrow

Noun

We need a yes to go ahead with the project.

She answered all the questions with yeses and nos.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

What has made each of them standouts is yes, their athletic achievements, but also their style and personality. —Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 9 Aug. 2024

Still, advocates say Harris’ presence could increase turnout, particularly among demographics that are more likely to vote yes, including younger voters and Black voters. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2024

Noun

Each person goes through the list and marks which items are a yes, a maybe, or a definite no. —Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2024

There were a few people that seemed to already be there (at a yes). —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English gēse

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1712, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing yes

• say yes
• say yes to
• yes and no
• yes, indeed
• yes-man
• yes, thanks
• yes, yes

Kids Definition

yes

1 of 2 adverb

ˈyes 

ˈyeu̇,

ˈe-(y)ə,

 are three of many variants 

1

—used to express agreement

are you ready? Yes, I am

2

—used to correct or contradict what another has said

don't say that! Yes, I will

3

—used to introduce a phrase with greater force or clearness

we are glad, yes, very glad to see you

4

—used to show interest or attention

yes, what is it you want

yes

2 of 2 noun

ˈyes

: a positive reply