# yes

/ˈjɛs/ (US) · /jˈɛs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yes
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. agreement or acceptance

particle · CEFR A1

you use this to agree with someone or to say that something is true.

For teachers: used to express agreement, confirmation, or acceptance in response to a question or statement.

- When I asked if she wanted some coffee, she just said yes and smiled.
- The witness answered with a firm yes when asked to confirm the identity of the suspect in the courtroom.

Usage: functions as a complete sentence or a response particle.

### 2. answering a call

particle · CEFR A1

you use this to show you are listening when someone calls your name.

For teachers: used as a response to being addressed, indicating that the speaker is present and paying attention.

- Yes? I am in the kitchen if you need any help.
- The professor looked up from his notes and said, 'Yes? Do you have a question about the lecture?'

Usage: often spoken with a rising intonation.

### 4. an affirmative vote

noun · CEFR B2

a vote in favour of something, or a person who votes that way.

For teachers: an affirmative answer or a vote cast in support of a proposal.

- The committee counted ten yeses and only two nos for the new plan.
- The resolution passed easily, with the final tally showing forty yeses against only five dissenting votes.

Usage: often used in the plural when counting votes.

## Examples

- We received ten yeses and only two nos.
- The committee counted the yeses to see if the new park project had enough support to begin construction.
- After weeks of intense lobbying and public debate, the final tally showed a narrow majority of yeses, effectively passing the controversial legislation into law.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.