1 yes
Pronounced:
/ˈjɛs/
Function:
adverbMeaning:
1 —used to give a positive answer or reply to a question, request, or offer ▪ “Are you ready?” “Yes, I am.” ▪ “Is the supervisor in today?” “Yes.” ▪ “I won't tolerate this behavior any longer. Do you understand?” “Yes, sir/ma'am.” ▪ I asked her to the dance and she said yes. ▪ “Would you care for some coffee?” “Yes, please/thanks.” [=I would like some coffee] ▪ I'll say yes to anything [=I'll agree to do or accept anything] at this point. ▪ “Are you happy with your job?” “Yes and no.” [=I'm happy about some parts of my job and unhappy about others]
2 —used to express agreement with an earlier statement or to say that statement is true ▪ Yes, I see your point. ▪ “Things could be worse.” “Yes, that's very true.” ▪ Yes, such a policy would be helpful. ▪ “The concert was good.” “Yes, but it was too crowded.”
3 —used to introduce a statement that corrects or disagrees with an earlier negative statement ▪ “She couldn't have meant that.” “Yes, she did mean it.” ▪ “He wasn't even there.” “Yes, he was!” ▪ “You can't do that!” “Oh, yes I can.”
4 —used to emphasize a statement or to make it more precise ▪ We are delighted, yes, truly delighted to see you! ▪ It was amusing, yes, but also very moving.
5 informal —used to express excitement, enthusiasm, or relief ▪ “We won!” “Yes!”
6 —used to indicate uncertainty or polite interest ▪ Yes? Can I help you with anything? ▪ “Mr. Jones?” “Yes?” “You have a phone call.”
7 —used to show you have remembered something ▪ Where was I? Oh, yes. I was going to tell you about the dance.
2 —used to express agreement with an earlier statement or to say that statement is true ▪ Yes, I see your point. ▪ “Things could be worse.” “Yes, that's very true.” ▪ Yes, such a policy would be helpful. ▪ “The concert was good.” “Yes, but it was too crowded.”
3 —used to introduce a statement that corrects or disagrees with an earlier negative statement ▪ “She couldn't have meant that.” “Yes, she did mean it.” ▪ “He wasn't even there.” “Yes, he was!” ▪ “You can't do that!” “Oh, yes I can.”
4 —used to emphasize a statement or to make it more precise ▪ We are delighted, yes, truly delighted to see you! ▪ It was amusing, yes, but also very moving.
5 informal —used to express excitement, enthusiasm, or relief ▪ “We won!” “Yes!”
6 —used to indicate uncertainty or polite interest ▪ Yes? Can I help you with anything? ▪ “Mr. Jones?” “Yes?” “You have a phone call.”
7 —used to show you have remembered something ▪ Where was I? Oh, yes. I was going to tell you about the dance.
yes, yes
—used to show anger or irritation ▪ “We're leaving in a few minutes. You need to get ready.” “Yes, yes. I know. I heard you the first time.”