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maybe — perhaps; possibly; used to express uncertainty or possibility

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: perhaps; possibly; used to express uncertainty or possibility

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmeɪbi/

Example Sentences

  • Maybe my dog ate my homework... again.
  • Maybe we should study for the exam instead of watching Netflix.
  • Maybe pizza for breakfast isn't such a bad idea after all.

maybe

ADVERB

[/ˈmeɪbi/]

perhaps; possibly; used to express uncertainty or possibility

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmeɪbi/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmeɪbi/

🌳Etymology

Rootmay + be

Origin

The word 'maybe' originated from the combination of two Middle English words: 'may' (a modal verb expressing possibility) and 'be' (the infinitive form of the verb of existence). These two words merged into a single adverb by the 14th century to express uncertainty or possibility.

Breakdown

may (modal verb indicating possibility) + be (verb of existence) → maybe (adverb expressing likelihood or uncertainty).

🎵Rhyme

baby
lazy
crazy
daisy

🔗Collocations

maybe not
maybe so
maybe later
maybe tomorrow
maybe next time

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Maybe my dog ate my homework... again.”

“Maybe we should study for the exam instead of watching Netflix.”

😄 Fun example

“Maybe pizza for breakfast isn't such a bad idea after all.”

“Maybe you could help me with this problem.”

📚Related Words

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