Maybe: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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maybe

 

[ หˆmeษชbi ]

Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

indefinite

perhaps; possibly

Synonyms

perhaps, possibly, potentially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maybe

Used in informal conversations and writings when indicating something is possible, but not certain.

  • Maybe we can go to the park after lunch.
  • I think maybe I'll take a nap later.
perhaps

More formal or polite way to indicate uncertainty or possibility. Often used in written English or formal spoken English.

  • Perhaps you would like to join us for dinner.
  • There is perhaps a chance that the meeting will be rescheduled.
possibly

Used to indicate that something might happen or be true, often when considering multiple options or scenarios.

  • She could possibly be the best candidate for the job.
  • We might possibly go to the beach if the weather is nice.
potentially

Utilized when discussing future possibilities or potential outcomes, often in speculative or predictive contexts.

  • This investment could potentially yield high returns.
  • The new policy has the potential to significantly change the industry.

Examples of usage

  • Maybe I'll see you later.
  • I'm not sure, maybe she will come to the party.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

a potential or possibility

Synonyms

chance, option, possibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maybe

Used when you are unsure about something or when you want to give a suggestion without confirming.

  • Maybe we can go to the beach this weekend.
  • I'm not sure if I can come to the party, maybe.
possibility

Used to refer to something that might happen or be true, usually slightly more uncertain or broad than 'chance'.

  • There's a possibility that the event will be canceled.
  • Consider all the possibilities before making a decision.
chance

Refers to the likelihood or probability of something happening, often used when talking about a possibility that is uncertain.

  • There is a good chance it will rain tomorrow.
  • Do I have a chance to win the game?
option

Refers to one of several choices or alternatives that are available.

  • You have the option to take the bus or the train.
  • There are many options on the menu.

Examples of usage

  • There is a maybe that we can meet tomorrow.
  • It's just a maybe, nothing is confirmed yet.

Translations

Translations of the word "maybe" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น talvez

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคพเคฏเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vielleicht

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mungkin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะพะถะปะธะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ moลผe

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŸใถใ‚“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท peut-รชtre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ quizรกs

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท belki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„๋งˆ๋„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑุจู…ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ moลพnรก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ moลพno

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไนŸ่ฎธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ morda

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kannski

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผาฏะผะบั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒšแƒ‘แƒแƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bษ™lkษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ quizรกs

Etymology

The word 'maybe' originated from the Middle English phrase 'may be' in the late 15th century. It combines the modal verb 'may' meaning 'possibility' with the verb 'be'. The use of 'maybe' as a single word became more common in the 19th century.

See also: dismay, may, mayor.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,732, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.