adverb / noun
yea
YAY/jeɪ/
A formal expression of agreement or an affirmative vote.
The clerk records each senator's vote as yea or nay.
Etymology
Old English gea expressed assent and could also mean “certainly” or “truly.” That emphatic force connects a simple “yes” with the stronger affirmation conveyed by yea.
In context
freely and fearlessly indulge in all peaceful concernments; yea, serenely revelled in dalliance and delight.
More examples
- All five members vote yea on the proposal.
- The motion passes with nine yeas and two nays.
- Asked whether she supports the amendment, the delegate answers, "Yea."
Forms
yea · yeas
Similar words
- yes
- The ordinary affirmative response, without yea's formal tone.
- aye
- Another formal affirmative, especially in voice votes or nautical replies.