perhaps

American  

[per-haps] / pərˈhæps /

adverb

1. maybe; possibly.

   Perhaps the package will arrive today.

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perhaps British  

/ pəˈhæps, præps /

adverb

1. 1. possibly; maybe

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      he'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps

      perhaps you'll see him tomorrow

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1. it may happen, be so, etc; maybe

Etymology

Origin of perhaps

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier perhappes, perhapis “by haps”; equivalent to per + hap ¹ + -s ¹

Compare meaning

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

• perhaps vs. maybe

Explanation

Perhaps means about the same thing as maybe: things that perhaps could happen might happen, or they might not. When someone asks if you want to do something and you say "Perhaps" — you haven't committed. It's another way of saying "I don't know" or "It's possible. Who knows?" People use perhaps when talking about things they aren't sure about, or things they don't want to answer in a decisive way. When a friend says, "Perhaps we'll go to that movie," don't count on it. He's keeping his options open.

Example Sentences

We can help eligible people maintain their benefits by qualifying for exemptions and ensuring they meet new requirements, perhaps by volunteering.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Intent on ensuring that China leapfrogs the U.S. as the world’s pre-eminent power, Xi Jinping recently made the gutsy and perhaps counterintuitive decision to invest massively in an arena of American strength—basic research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Then there is the arbitration agreement — perhaps the most clarifying feature of the whole enterprise.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

It was a piece of personal history, perhaps one with generational memories.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The back section was basically a large container – perhaps the kind of thing you might move cattle in.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler