yea

UK: jeɪ | US: jeɪ

Definition

  1. adv. an archaic or formal variant of "yes"

  2. n. an affirmative vote or voter

Structure

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Etymology

"Yea" originates from Old English gēa or gē, meaning "yes." It shares roots with German ja and Dutch ja, all derived from Proto-Germanic ja. This compact word has retained its core affirmative meaning for over a millennium, evolving into modern "yes" while surviving in formal/archaic contexts (e.g., voting).

Examples

  1. "Yea, I shall attend the gathering," replied the knight.

  2. The bill passed with 20 yeas and 15 nays.

  3. "Do you agree?" — "Yea, without doubt."

  4. In parliamentary procedure, members voice "yea" or "nay."

  5. The poet used "yea" to evoke an antiquated tone.