peradventure

[ pur-uhd-ven-cher, per- ]

noun

, Rare.

1. chance, doubt, or uncertainty.
2. surmise ( def 5 ).

adverb

1. Archaic. it may be; maybe; possibly; perhaps.

peradventure

/ ˌpɜːr-; pərədˈvɛntʃə /

adverb

1. by chance; perhaps

noun

1. chance, uncertainty, or doubt

Word History and Origins

Origin of peradventure¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English per aventure, from Old French; per, adventure

Word History and Origins

Origin of peradventure¹

C13: from Old French par aventure by chance

Example Sentences

My general take is my son’s father-in-law is pretty much sanctimonious beyond all peradventure.

From Washington Post

“It is beyond peradventure that Central Valley Meat is responsible for the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Kings county,” the lawsuit states.

From The Guardian

“The Court has made that clear beyond peradventure.”

From Reuters

For example it's much more useful to know the word "house" than the word "abode," and you'll get fewer odd looks if you say "perhaps" rather than "peradventure".

From BBC

“Sirs, while I would liefer commend the nobility of restraint, here must I endorse rather the vigor of lively opposition, lest, peradventure, we find that inaction is in itself the occasion of profligacy.”

From Literature

Related Words

• conceivably
• likely
• perhaps
• probably