yes
- 01 A1 Beginner
part.you use this to agree with someone or to say that something is true.
part.used to express agreement, confirmation, or acceptance in response to a question or statement.
Simple“When I asked if she wanted some coffee, she just said yes and smiled.”
In context“The witness answered with a firm yes when asked to confirm the identity of the suspect in the courtroom.”
Usagefunctions as a complete sentence or a response particle.
- 02 A1 Beginner
part.you use this to show you are listening when someone calls your name.
part.used as a response to being addressed, indicating that the speaker is present and paying attention.
Simple“Yes? I am in the kitchen if you need any help.”
In context“The professor looked up from his notes and said, 'Yes? Do you have a question about the lecture?'”
Usageoften spoken with a rising intonation.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a vote in favour of something, or a person who votes that way.
n.an affirmative answer or a vote cast in support of a proposal.
Simple“The committee counted ten yeses and only two nos for the new plan.”
In context“The resolution passed easily, with the final tally showing forty yeses against only five dissenting votes.”
Usageoften used in the plural when counting votes.
From Middle English yes, from Old English ġīese (“by all means, of course, yes”), derived from the same root as yea. Compare Faroese júsá (“yes, indeed, certainly”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.