perhaps

[ per-haps ]

adverb

1. maybe; possibly:

   Perhaps the package will arrive today.

perhaps

/ pəˈhæps; præps /

adverb

1. 1. possibly; maybe
   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      perhaps you'll see him tomorrow

      he'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps

sentence substitute

1. it may happen, be so, etc; maybe

Word History and Origins

Origin of perhaps¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier perhappes, perhapis “by haps”; equivalent to per + hap ¹ + -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perhaps¹

C16 perhappes, from per by + happes chance, hap ¹

Example Sentences

However, perhaps their friendship was not so unlikely.

From BBC

The research team hopes that some years in the future, these fundamental experiments will perhaps result in the development of useful methods for treating cancer.

From Science Daily

Or, perhaps, manatees were in abundance but there is a lack of bones at excavation sites because the mammals were not hunted.

From Science Daily

The taped banana - now perhaps one of the most expensive fruits ever sold - was actually bought earlier in the day for a mere $0.35, according to the New York Times.

From BBC

It’s possible that adult saber-tooth cats may have had hair on their faces – perhaps similar to a beard.

From NewsForKids.net