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

They’ve been waiting so long for the first and perhaps only time to be teammates this season.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bruins went on to lose to Wisconsin in perhaps the first Rose Bowl seen as a consolation prize.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus, the West had antibiotics — which spread willy-nilly not just in medications, but in toothpaste, lipstick and, perhaps most dangerously, into farm animals to promote growth.

From Salon

If trends continue as expected, there will perhaps be a pause in March.

From BBC

This revival succeeds perhaps most fully in the welcoming embrace it extends to all.

From Los Angeles Times