maybe

American  

[mey-bee] / ˈmeɪ bi /

adverb

1. perhaps; possibly.

   Maybe I'll go too.

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noun

1. a possibility or uncertainty.

maybe British  

/ ˈmeɪˌbiː /

adverb

1. 1. perhaps

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      maybe I'll come tomorrow

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1. possibly; neither yes nor no

Etymology

Origin of maybe

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English may be, short for it may be

Compare meaning

How does maybe compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• perhaps vs. maybe

Example Sentences

In the lowland areas that include Los Angeles, rattlesnakes have underground burrows that are home to one or maybe two snakes, Taylor said.

From Los Angeles Times

So you can understand, if not necessarily agree with, their reluctance to drop out and call it a day, in the hope that, just maybe, that proverbial bolt of lightning will strike.

From Los Angeles Times

"We're finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer, to do the job."

From BBC

"It feels a bit David and Goliath, now it seems there is maybe a chance," she said.

From BBC

"So far this year I think I've done maybe 20 applications, and haven't got any. I feel like it's going to impact me even more now."

From BBC