Maybe
ˈmeɪbi
Definitions
Possibly; perhaps; it is possible.
ˈmeɪbi
Possibly; perhaps
Maybe it will rain today.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'perhaps' or 'possibly.' Imagine you're deciding what to eat. 'Maybe I'll have pizza!' It means you *might* have pizza, but you're not sure yet!
👶 For kids: Means 'perhaps' or 'could be'. Like, "Maybe we'll go to the zoo!" It means it's possible!
More Examples
He might be late, maybe.
I'm not sure, but maybe she knows the answer.
How It's Used
"Maybe we should go to the park later."
"Maybe I'll take a vacation this summer."
Idioms & expressions
maybe so
Used to express uncertain agreement or acceptance.
""He thinks the project will be delayed." "Maybe so.""
maybe not
Used to express the possibility that something is not true or will not happen.
""Will you come to the party?" "Maybe not.""
From Middle English *may be*, a contraction of "it may be".
Appears in texts from the 14th century, initially as two separate words ('may be'). The contraction became common later.
Memory tip
Think of 'may' and 'be' together – it 'may be' true or likely.