may — used to express possibility or permission
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: used to express possibility or permission
Pronunciation (IPA): /meɪ/
Example Sentences
- May I borrow your invisible cloak?
- It may rain cats and dogs tomorrow
- May brings warm weather and blooming flowers
may
VERB[/meɪ/]
used to express possibility or permission
A child asks if they may play the board game tonight
Which way may I go, or shall I stay?
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The auxiliary verb 'may' derives from Old English 'mæg', meaning 'can' or 'be able'. The month name May originates from the Roman goddess of growth, Maia, after whom the fifth month was named in the Julian calendar.
Breakdown
Old English 'mæg' (can, be able) developed into modern 'may', with the root traced to Proto-Indo-European '*magh-' meaning 'to be able' or 'have power'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“May I borrow your invisible cloak?”
“It may rain cats and dogs tomorrow”
“May brings warm weather and blooming flowers”
“Students may leave early if they finish the exam”
📚Related Words
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