maybe
maybe
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "maybe" is /ˈmeɪ.bi/.
/ˈmeɪ/
/bi/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: maybe (no comparative/superlative forms)
Noun: maybe (singular, informal, referring to a possibility or an uncertain event/person) - no plural in this informal sense.
Adjective: maybe (rare, informal, used attributively to describe something as uncertain or possible, e.g., "a maybe answer")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: Perhaps; possibly; by chance. Used to express uncertainty or possibility.
Synonyms: perhaps, possibly, conceivably, perchance (archaic), peradventure (archaic)
Antonyms: certainly, definitely, surely, absolutely, undoubtedly
Definition 2: Used to make a suggestion or a polite request.
Synonyms: perhaps, possibly, how about
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it's a softener; perhaps "definitely not" as a strong refusal)
Definition 3: Used to express a hesitant agreement or concession.
Synonyms: perhaps so, conceivably, it's possible
Antonyms: certainly not, no, absolutely not
Noun
Definition 1 (informal): A possibility; something that might happen.
Synonyms: possibility, uncertainty, chance, contingency
Antonyms: certainty, sure thing, impossibility, definite
Definition 2 (informal): A person or thing that may or may not be available or suitable.
Synonyms: uncertainty, potential, prospect (if uncertain)
Antonyms: certainty, sure bet, definite entry
Adjective
Definition 1 (informal): Possible but not certain; uncertain. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: possible, uncertain, tentative, contingent
Antonyms: definite, certain, sure, confirmed
Examples of Use
Books:
"She kept wondering, 'Would he come back? Maybe tomorrow, maybe never.'" (Fictional example from a dramatic or romantic novel)
"The analysis suggests that the decline in biodiversity is largely due to human activity, but maybe other factors are at play too." (From a scientific paper or environmental studies textbook)
"He considered all the 'maybes' of his past, the roads not taken, the choices that could have led elsewhere." (Fictional example, noun use, from a reflective novel)
Newspapers:
"The government is considering tax reforms, but maybe not until the next financial year." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Maybe it's time for a new approach to urban planning in Nairobi, given the rapid population growth." ("The Standard,")
"The coach hinted at squad changes for the upcoming match, saying maybe a few younger players would get a start." ("Daily Nation,’’)
Online Publications:
"Five reasons why your website traffic is low, and maybe how to fix it." (An article on a digital marketing blog, e.g., Moz Blog)
"The new AI models show impressive capabilities, but maybe we're overestimating their true intelligence." (A tech opinion piece on "Wired.com,")
"He's a maybe for the conference, depending on his travel schedule." (An update on a conference website's speaker list, noun use)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Maybe this time, we'll get it right." (Common dialogue in a film where characters face a repeated challenge, e.g., Groundhog Day)
Television Series: "Maybe I should have listened to you, Detective." (Dialogue from a character admitting error in a crime procedural, e.g., Law & Order)
Song Lyrics: "Maybe tomorrow, I'll want to do it differently. Maybe tomorrow, I'll be over you." (From a pop or country song about uncertainty in love)
Video Games: "Your mission success is a maybe at this point; proceed with caution." (In-game status update or NPC dialogue, e.g., Fallout 4)
Podcasts: "Maybe that's why they say ignorance is bliss. Sometimes, knowing too much just complicates things." (A podcast host reflecting on a topic)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you coming to the party tonight?" "Maybe." (A common uncertain answer)
"Maybe we should order pizza for dinner instead of cooking." (A suggestion)
"Maybe you should try calling him again; he might not have seen your message." (Giving advice)
"I've got three definites and two maybes for the team." (Referring to confirmed vs. uncertain participants, noun use)
"Maybe it's just me, but I think the traffic is getting worse." (Starting a personal opinion hesitantly)
10 Quotes Using Maybe
"Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other." – John Steinbeck
"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with." – Candace Bushnell
"Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light." – Madeleine L’Engle
"Maybe that’s what life is... a wink of the eye and winking stars." – Jack Kerouac
"Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you." – Paulo Coelho
"Maybe stories are just data with a soul." – Brené Brown
"Maybe this world is another planet’s hell." – Aldous Huxley
"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets." – Arthur Miller
"Maybe happiness is this: not feeling like you should be elsewhere, doing something else, being someone else." – Isaac Asimov
"Maybe I can’t stop the downpour, but I will always join you for a walk in the rain." – Vincent Van Gogh (attributed)
Etymology
The word "maybe" is a relatively straightforward word in its origin, literally meaning "may be."
It comes from the combination of two older English words:
"May": This comes from the Old English verb magan, meaning "to be able," "to have power," or "to have permission."
"Be": This comes from the Old English verb bēon, meaning "to exist" or "to happen."
So, "maybe" literally means "it may be" or "it might happen."
The first known use of "maybe" in English as a single adverb (meaning "perhaps" or "possibly") appeared in the late 14th century (around 1390). Before that, people would have used the two words separately (e.g., "it may be so"). Over time, the phrase became so commonly used together that it fused into a single word functioning as an adverb.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Maybe
Maybe yes, maybe no: Used to indicate complete uncertainty about a situation.
Maybe so, maybe not: Similar to the above, expressing a lack of definite answer.
Maybe tomorrow: A common way to postpone something or express a vague intention.
Maybe this time: Expressing hope for a different outcome in a repeated situation.
A big maybe: An outcome or possibility that is highly uncertain or unlikely.
The power of maybe: (Original/Inspirational) The idea that embracing uncertainty can open new possibilities.
Perhaps a moment longer: A polite way to ask for a bit more time. (Synonym for "maybe a moment longer")
Possibly next week: Indicating a potential future time. (Synonym for "maybe next week")
Might be a good idea: A suggestion presented with some hesitation. (Synonym for "maybe a good idea")
It's a toss-up: An outcome that is equally likely either way. (Synonym for a "maybe" situation)
A maybe vote: A vote that is uncertain or not yet committed.
Maybe for the best: Expressing that an uncertain or negative outcome might ultimately be beneficial.
To ponder the 'maybes': To consider all the uncertain possibilities or hypothetical situations.
Maybe later: A common way to decline something for now, keeping the option open.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of maybe from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
