Maybe

Pronunciation

• enPR: mā'bÄ“, IPA: /ˈmeɪbi/
• Rhymes: -eɪbi

Alternative forms

• may-be
• mebbe dialectal

Origin

From an ellipsis of it may be, equivalent to may + be. Compare mayhap.

Full definition of maybe

Adverb

1. Modifies a verb, indicating a lack of certainty.
2. (as a pro-sentence) perhaps that is true expressing no commitment to a decision or a neutral viewpoint to a statement

Usage notes

Do not confuse maybe with may be: "Maybe that's true", but "That may be true"

Synonyms

• (perhaps) mayhaps, peradventure, perhaps, possibly
• (as a pro-sentence) could be, mayhaps, might be, perhaps, possibly, that’s possible

Derived terms

• and I don't mean maybe

Adjective

1. Possible; uncertain.Then add those may-be years thou hast to live ― Dryden.

Noun

1. (informal) Something that is possibly true.
2. (informal) An answer that shows neither agreement nor disagreement.The results of the poll were inconclusive. We got two yeses, three nos, and four maybes.

Synonyms

• perhaps

Derived terms

• definite maybe

Anagrams

• abyme, beamy, embay