/ jes; NAmE / exclamation , noun
■ exclamation
1.
used to answer a question and say that sth is correct or true :
'Is this your car?' 'Yes, it is.'
'Are you coming? Yes or no?'
2.
used to show that you agree with what has been said :
'I enjoyed her latest novel.' 'Yes, me too.'
'It's an excellent hotel.' ' Yes, but (= I don't completely agree) it's too expensive.'
3.
used to disagree with sth negative that sb has just said :
'I've never met her before.' 'Yes, you have.'
4.
used to agree to a request or to give permission :
'Dad, can I borrow the car?' 'Yes, but be careful.'
We're hoping that they will say yes to our proposals.
5.
used to accept an offer or invitation :
'Would you like a drink?' ' Yes, please / thanks .'
6.
used for asking sb what they want :
Yes? How can I help you?
7.
used for replying politely when sb calls you :
'Waiter!' 'Yes, sir?'
8.
used to show that you have just remembered sth :
Where did I put the keys? Oh, yes—in my pocket!
9.
used to encourage sb to continue speaking :
'I'm going to Paris this weekend.' 'Yes ... '
10.
used to show that you do not believe what sb has said :
'Sorry I'm late—the bus didn't come.' 'Oh yes?'
11.
used to emphasize what you have just said :
Mrs Smith has just won £2 million—yes!—£2 million!
12.
used to show that you are excited or extremely pleased about sth that you have done or sth that has happened :
'They've scored another goal.' 'Yes!!'
13.
yes, yes used to show that you are impatient or irritated about sth :
'Hurry up—it's late.' 'Yes, yes—I'm coming.'
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IDIOMS
- yes and no
■ noun
( pl. yes·ses or yeses /ˈjesɪz/) an answer that shows that you agree with an idea, a statement, etc.; a person who says 'yes' :
I need a simple yes or no to my questions.
There will be two ballot boxes—one for yesses and one for noes.
I'll put you down as a yes.
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English gēse , gīse , probably from an unrecorded phrase meaning may it be so .