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

See Examples For:

perhaps

This fallacy is perhaps best understood in the context of flipping a coin.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 17, 2026

Its success is perhaps even more surprising given its subject matter - UK politics.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

“I think they probably feel that the older generations just simply do not understand that, and perhaps they’re right, perhaps they don’t.”

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

But Mr. Wayne, perhaps no surprise, is an expert guide into the complex psyche of an author.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

He thought it was coming from the drain, but then he realized, perhaps Glory was singing.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova