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