# maybe

/ˈmeɪbi/ (US) · /mˈeɪbiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maybe
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. perhaps

adverb · CEFR A1

used to say that something might happen or might be true.

For teachers: used to indicate that something is possible or probable but not certain.

- Maybe we can go to the park if the rain stops later.
- Maybe the initial projections were too optimistic, given that the market has shifted so significantly in the last quarter.

### 2. making a suggestion

adverb · CEFR A2

you use this to suggest something politely without being too direct.

For teachers: used as a pragmatic marker to soften a suggestion or request, making it less assertive.

- Maybe you should call him and ask for more information.
- Maybe we should reconsider the current strategy before committing the remainder of the annual budget to this project.

### 3. an uncertain answer

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

an answer that is not 'yes' or 'no'.

For teachers: a response or status indicating uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a binary choice.

- I asked if she was coming to the party, but she only gave me a maybe.
- The client's response was a frustrating maybe, leaving the production team unable to book the necessary equipment for the shoot.

## Examples

- Maybe we can go to the park tomorrow.
- I am not sure if I can come to the party, but maybe I will see you there.
- While the initial results are promising, maybe the most significant finding is how the participants reacted to the change in environment over time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.