perhaps

American  

[per-haps] / pərˈhæps /

adverb

1. maybe; possibly.

   Perhaps the package will arrive today.

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perhaps British  

/ pəˈhæps, præps /

adverb

1. 1. possibly; maybe

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      he'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps

      perhaps you'll see him tomorrow

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1. it may happen, be so, etc; maybe

Etymology

Origin of perhaps

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier perhappes, perhapis “by haps”; equivalent to per + hap ¹ + -s ¹

Compare meaning

How does perhaps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• perhaps vs. maybe

Explanation

Perhaps means about the same thing as maybe: things that perhaps could happen might happen, or they might not. When someone asks if you want to do something and you say "Perhaps" — you haven't committed. It's another way of saying "I don't know" or "It's possible. Who knows?" People use perhaps when talking about things they aren't sure about, or things they don't want to answer in a decisive way. When a friend says, "Perhaps we'll go to that movie," don't count on it. He's keeping his options open.

Example Sentences

Perhaps the most surprising discovery was identifying what now limits magnon lifetimes.

From Science Daily • Jul. 2, 2026

Perhaps it should not have come as a complete surprise.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

Perhaps we will soon see more of what makes America great in other places, now that the soccer fans are soon to return to their home bases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

Perhaps even more surprising: The show pulls it off.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2026

Perhaps more important: He was a soul worthy of good things.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman