SKIP TO CONTENT

yea

/jeɪ/
/jeɪ/
IPA guide

Other forms: yeas

Yea sounds like "yay" and is another word for "yes." It's often paired with "nay" when taking a vote in formal government or law and sometimes when asking friends if they want to get together, "Yea or nay?"

When an official asks for a vote on a bill or judgment, the question may be "How say you?" in the old style of English with an equally old-school response of "Yea" meaning a vote in favor. Using yea in casual conversation is less common but it's useful for showing that a person's "yes" counts as a vote because it matters in making a decision, as when you ask each other "Are you in or out — yea or nay?" when making plans.

Definitions of yea
  1. noun
    an affirmative
    “The yeas have it”
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    nay
    a negative
    type of:
    affirmative
    a reply of affirmation
  2. adverb
    not only so, but
    “I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice”
    synonyms: yeah
Pronunciation
US
/jeɪ/
UK
/jeɪ/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘yea'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family