Yea

Yea is an English word meaning "yes" that is now primarily found in formal, historical, or religious contexts. In everyday modern speech it is largely replaced by "yes" or "yeah," and is seldom used in casual conversation. In legislative or voting records, "yea" marks an affirmative vote, typically paired with "nay" for a negative vote. As a noun, it can refer to the affirmative vote itself, and as an interjection it may be used to express agreement in quotation or ceremonial style.

The word derives from Old English gēa, and ultimately from Proto-Germanic *ja-, cognate with similar terms in other Germanic languages such as Old High German ja. It is etymologically related to "aye" and to corresponding forms in related languages that express assent.

In religious or biblical usage, especially in Early Modern English or the King James Bible, "yea" can be used as a solemn or emphatic affirmative, meaning "indeed" or "truly." In contemporary practice, such usage is largely literary or ceremonial rather than conversational.

In modern reference works, "yea" is described as archaic or formal, with "yes" as the standard modern equivalent. In parliamentary contexts, "aye" is sometimes used as a synonym, depending on tradition and region. The term remains a historical reflection of how agreement and voting have been expressed in English.