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REFERENCE

yet

adv. · conj.
US //ˈjɛt// UK //jˈɛt// yet
  1. 1 until now (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    up to this time; used mostly in negative sentences and questions to talk about something expected.

    up to the present time or the time in question; typically functions as a temporal operator in negative or interrogative clauses.

    Example

    I haven't finished my homework yet, so I can't go out.

    Example

    The researchers have not yet published their findings, as the peer-review process has been delayed by administrative issues.

    Usage

    Usually placed at the end of a negative sentence or question.
    • so far
    • thus far
    Pitfall
    I didn't see the movie yet.
    I haven't seen the movie yet.

    In British English, 'yet' is almost always used with the present perfect tense, not the past simple.

  2. 2 still (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    continuing now or for a longer time.

    continuing at a given time; used to emphasize that a state or condition persists.

    Example

    There is hope yet that we can win the game.

    Example

    Despite the economic downturn, there are yet opportunities for growth in the renewable energy sector if the government provides subsidies.

    Usage

    Often placed after the verb 'to be' or at the end of a clause for emphasis.
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  1. 3 in the future (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    at some time in the future, even if it seems unlikely now.

    at some future time; eventually.

    Example

    We may yet find a solution to this problem.

    Example

    Though the negotiations have stalled, the diplomats believe a peaceful resolution may yet be reached before the deadline.

    Usage

    Often used with modal verbs like 'may', 'might', or 'could'.
  2. 4 even more (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize an increase or a larger amount.

    used as an intensifier before comparative adjectives or to indicate an additional instance.

    Example

    The weather is going to get yet colder next week.

    Example

    The CEO's latest scandal brought yet more negative publicity to the struggling tech firm.

    Usage

    Placed before comparative adjectives or words like 'another' or 'more'.
  3. 5 but / nevertheless (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to connect two ideas that seem opposite or surprising.

    used to introduce a statement that adds something surprising to what has just been said; functions as a contrastive coordinator.

    Example

    It was a small car, yet it was very comfortable for long trips.

    Example

    The evidence was circumstantial, yet the jury found the defendant guilty based on the strength of the witness testimony.
Etymology 1

Inherited from Middle English yet, yit, from Old English ġīet, gȳta, from Proto-West Germanic jūta, from Proto-Germanic juta (compare West Frisian jit, jitte (“yet”), Dutch ooit (“ever”), German jetzt (“now”)), compound of (1) ju (“already”, adverb), from Proto-Indo-European h₂yew-, accusative of h₂óyu (“long time”) and (2) the Proto-Germanic ta (“to, towards”), from Proto-Indo-European *do. More at aye and -th.

Etymology 2

Inherited from Middle English yeten, from Old English ġēotan (“to flow, pour”), from Proto-West Germanic geutan, from Proto-Germanic geutaną (“to flow, pour”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰewd- (“to pour”). Cognate with Scots yat (“to pour, yet”), West Frisian jitte (“to scatter, shed, pour”), Dutch gieten (“to pour, cast, mould”), German gießen (“to pour, cast, mould”), Swedish gjuta (“to pour, cast”). Doublet of yote.

Etymology 3

Inherited from Middle English yeten, ȝeten, from Old English ġietan, from Proto-Germanic getaną, from Proto-Indo-European gʰed-. More at get.

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