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yes and no

idiom

Definition of yes and no

—used when there is both a positive and a negative answer to a question

"Are you happy with your job?" "Yes and no."

Word by Word Definitions

yes play

used as a function word to express assent or agreement
used as a function word usually to introduce correction or contradiction of a negative assertion or direction
used as a function word to introduce a more emphatic or explicit phrase

: an affirmative reply : yea

See the full definition of yes

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

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The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

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2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

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Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

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Word Games

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Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

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Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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