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Definition yet in American English

yet adverb, conjunction

adverb, conjunction
/jet/

Yet can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb: I haven’t seen him yet.Have you had your lunch yet?His latest crime was the worst yet.I have yet to spend summer in the mountains.

as a conjunction (connecting two words, phrases, or clauses): The weather was cold, yet bright and sunny.Her advice seems strange, yet I believe she’s right.

Both already and yet are used for talking about changes, actions, or states that happened or existed before the present time or before a particular time that you are referring to.

Use already in positive sentences or in questions when you think it is likely that something has happened or existed before, or when you know it has happened or existed before and are surprised: Thanks, but I’ve already eaten.Did I already give you my e-mail address?Is John married already? He hardly looks old enough.

Use yet in negative sentences and in questions, especially when you think that the change, action, or state should happen or exist soon: Kim hasn’t seen the movie yet, so don’t tell her how it ends.Have you told her yet that you’re leaving?Aren’t they here yet? It’s after 8:00.

Use still for talking about actions, conditions, or states that continue happening or existing without changing: Are you still working downtown?I’d still like to talk to you when you get a chance.He had eaten three hamburgers, but he still wasn’t full. You can also use still for expressing surprise that a situation has not changed: You’re still here? I thought you left hours ago.

1

used for talking or asking about something that has not happened or is not true at a particular time but will probably happen or be true in the future

Example

I'm amazed that you haven't told him anything yet.

Example

She hasn't yet decided if she wants to come or not.

Example

Our divorce had not been settled yet.

Example

Are you a member of the club yet?

Example

"Are you feeling hungry?" "Not yet."

Synonyms and related words
2

used for saying that something cannot or should not be done now, but will be done at a time in the future

Example

I can't leave the hospital yet - the doctor says maybe tomorrow.

Example

Don't get too excited just yet. None of these plans are definite.

Example

I'm going back to New York, but not yet.

Synonyms and related words
3

used for saying that something could be true or could still happen in the future

Example

This victory could yet put the team into the finals.

Example

Lawrence's body was never found, and he may yet be alive.

4

used for saying that someone or something is the best, worst, biggest, etc. of their kind up to now

Example

In terms of profits, the company is preparing to face its worst year yet.

Example

This will be the president's most important speech yet.

5

used after words referring to a period of time for saying how much time will pass before something happens or finishes

Example

The election won't take place for three weeks yet.

Example

Ron and Charlene will be in Florida for another six days yet.

Synonyms and related words
6

used for introducing a word or idea that is surprising after what has just been mentioned

Example

They had plenty of time, yet she felt there was almost none.

Example

The novel is 800 pages long, yet it reads more quickly than many shorter books.

Example

He looks cheerful yet somehow sad at the same time.

7

used for emphasizing that someone or something is even bigger, better, worse, more, etc. than someone or something else

Example

Try not to overcook the beans, or better yet eat them raw.

Example

The house is more expensive yet than any of the others we've looked at.

Example

We woke to yet another gray rainy day.

Synonyms and related words
Definition yet in American English