might

¹

[ mahyt ]

auxiliary verb

1. simple past tense of may ¹.
2. (used to express possibility):

   They might be at the station.

3. (used to express advisability):

   You might at least thank me.

4. (used in polite requests for permission):

   Might I speak to you for a moment?

might

²

[ mahyt ]

noun

1. physical strength:

   He swung with all his might.

   Antonyms: weakness

2. superior power or strength; force:

   the theory that might makes right.

   Antonyms: weakness

3. power or ability to do or accomplish; capacity:

   the might of the ballot box.

   Antonyms: weakness

might

¹

/ maɪt /

verb

1. making the past tense or subjunctive mood of may 1

   he might have come last night

2. often foll by well expressing theoretical possibility: he might well come . In this sense might looks to the future and functions as a weak form of may See may 1

might

²

/ maɪt /

noun

1. power, force, or vigour, esp of a great or supreme kind
2. physical strength
3. (with) might and main
   See main 1

Usage

See may 1

Other Words From

• mightless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of might¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English myghte, Old English miht, meaht; cognate with German macht, Gothic mahts; akin to may ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of might¹

OE miht

Origin of might²

Old English miht; compare Old High German maht, Dutch macht

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. with might and main, with all the vigor, force, or energy at one's command:

   They pulled with might and main.

Synonym Study

See strength.

Example Sentences

Aksyonov has great fun inventing a culturally pureed lexicon for his might-have-been cosmopolitan Russians.

From The Daily Beast

But the failed stars and might-have-beens make for even more compelling narratives.

From The Daily Beast

Like all might-have-beens, this one fades away into airy speculation.

From The Daily Beast

No poorest man on earth would change places with this man-that-might-have-been, for his time draws nigh and his end is perdition.

From Project Gutenberg

His dreams were ended, the "might-have-been" would never be, but he knew that there was peace in that little breast at last.

From Project Gutenberg

No wonder you are feeling nervous and upset over the might-have-beens.

From Project Gutenberg

She commented adversely upon each play I made, and in between times lectured me upon might-have-beens.

From Project Gutenberg

Critics have called Keats and others who died young “the great Might-have-beens of literary history.”

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• efficacy
• potency
• valor