maybe
|may/be|
A2
/ˈmeɪ.bi/
Possibility
Etymology
Etymology Information
'maybe' originates from Middle English, specifically the phrase 'it may be,' where 'may' meant 'to be able' and 'be' meant 'exist.'
Historical Evolution
'it may be' transformed into the modern English word 'maybe' through gradual linguistic simplification.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'it is possible that,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'possibly; perhaps.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
possibly; perhaps.
Maybe we should go to the park today.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35