maybe
- 01 A1 Beginner
adv.used to say that something might happen or might be true.
adv.used to indicate that something is possible or probable but not certain.
Simple“Maybe we can go to the park if the rain stops later.”
In context“Maybe the initial projections were too optimistic, given that the market has shifted so significantly in the last quarter.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
adv.you use this to suggest something politely without being too direct.
adv.used as a pragmatic marker to soften a suggestion or request, making it less assertive.
Simple“Maybe you should call him and ask for more information.”
In context“Maybe we should reconsider the current strategy before committing the remainder of the annual budget to this project.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.an answer that is not 'yes' or 'no'.
n.a response or status indicating uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a binary choice.
Simple“I asked if she was coming to the party, but she only gave me a maybe.”
In context“The client's response was a frustrating maybe, leaving the production team unable to book the necessary equipment for the shoot.”
SynonymsAntonyms
maybe vs may be — Maybe is a single-word adverb of probability, whereas may be is a two-word verb phrase consisting of a modal and a main verb.
From an ellipsis of Middle English it may be, equivalent to may + be. Compare mayhap.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.