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

Explanation

When you say maybe, you're not completely sure about your answer. If you say you'll maybe study at the library tonight, it is possible that you'll go there. Maybe is a shortened version of the Middle English phrase, "it may be." People use it when they're not sure about something — or they aren't ready to give their answer. Sometimes other things have to happen — or not happen — before you can be sure. For example, because it might rain tomorrow, you aren't sure there will be a baseball game. In the meantime, you answer, "Maybe," if someone asks if you are going to the game.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

maybe

If any of the representatives have concerns, maybe then they’ll get to ask West how this could be acceptable.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

Describing the Diego Garcia base as "one of the most sensitive and valuable national security assets", he said work was underway to find a deal "that maybe not everyone loves, but everyone can live with".

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

If you’re not worried about your state, maybe go to a neighboring state.

From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026

"Theorists will continue to generate ideas and maybe we will do better in figuring things out without experimental data, but it will be difficult," Giddings said.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 23, 2026

She untied the leash to give Wolf his freedom: maybe he could escape, even if she and Torak could not.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver