English · Greetings & Phrases

perhaps

/pəˈhæps/

[/pəˈhæps/]

maybe

Intermediateadverb

Definition

Used to say that something is possible but not certain.

Example

Perhaps we should wait until the rain stops before we set off.

Perhaps we should wait until the rain stops before we set off.

Etymology

From "per," through, plus "hap," chance or luck, from Old Norse "happ."

How & Where It’s Used

Slightly more formal than "maybe"; common in polite suggestions.

Watch “maybe” pronunciation on YouTube
possibilityuncertainty

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