What does "yes" mean?
An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.
Yes
/jes/ det, intj, name, noun, particle, verb, slang
det, intj, name, noun, particle, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.
- Grammar: yes is listed as det, intj, name, noun, particle, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: abide by, absolutely, accede, accept.
- Useful contrasts: icelandic nei, never, neither.
- Usage evidence: It is difficult to keep up a conversation with someone who only says "yes" and "no".
How to use "yes"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "yes" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "yes" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "yes" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "yes" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "yes" is acting as det, intj, name, noun, particle, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abide by" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "yes", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.
"Was that a yes?"
- 2 an affirmative wordnet
- 3 A vote of support or in favor of something.
"The workers voted on whether to strike, and there were thirty "yeses" and one "no"."
Verb
- 1 To agree with, affirm, approve. colloquial, transitive
"Did he yes the veto?"
- 2 To say “yes”. colloquial, intransitive
"The next day another writer asked us: “Didja hear about So-and-So? Got two hundred and fifty bucks for an idea!” We “yessed” and went our way."
- 3 To attempt to flatter someone by habitually agreeing slang
Particle
- 1 Used to show agreement or acceptance.
"Yes, you are correct."
- 2 Used to indicate disagreement or dissent in reply to a negative statement.
"It was not my fault we lost the race. Oh, yes, it was!"
- 3 Answer to a question presuming one answer when all answers are correct. humorous
"Do you like cake, or pie? Yes."
Intj
- 1 An exclamation of pleasure or approval, usually transcribed with an exclamation point.
"Our second goal of the match! Yes!"
- 2 Response that confirms that the user is paying attention.
- 3 Used to ask for more information with a request. interrogative
"I need some help. Yes?"
Determiner
- 1 Countering a statement using the determiner no:; There is; indicating the existence of something. humorous
"Have you heard this before? "Nintendo 64 has no games!" Well, I did a little researching, and here's what I found: […]"
- 2 Countering a statement using the determiner no:; Indicating the possibility or allowance of something. humorous
"When our family left graduate school, it was in a cocoon of our own feelings, with college life behind us and the boys excitedly talking about what was “behead of us,” and our car avoiding no parking signs but aiming for “yes parking.”"
Proper Noun
- 1 plural of Ye form-of, plural
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"It is difficult to keep up a conversation with someone who only says "yes" and "no"."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "yes"?
Common synonyms include: abide by, absolutely, accede, accept, acclaim, accordantly.
How do you use "yes" in a sentence?
It is difficult to keep up a conversation with someone who only says "yes" and "no".
How do you pronounce "yes"?
Pronounced /jes/.
Etymology
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”).