haply

American  

[hap-lee] / ˈhæp li /

adverb

Archaic.

1. perhaps; by chance.

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haply British  

/ ˈhæplɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) an archaic word for perhaps

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Etymology

Origin of haply

First recorded in 1325–75, haply is from the Middle English word hapliche. See hap ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

As for me, when I feel gloomy in ways that recall the first eight lines, haply I think on Shakespeare, and feel better.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2013

I leave you but the sound of many a word In mocking echoes haply overheard, I sang to heaven.

From Time Magazine Archive

This conversation haunted our young man all night, and drove him in the morning to the tea-room, in serious pursuit of the right kind of woman, if haply she might be found there.

From A Humble Enterprise by Cambridge, Ada

Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed.

From The Black Moth A Romance of the XVIIIth Century by Heyer, Georgette

No-Kami increased the number of his personal attendants, daring no longer to go forth alone, lest haply some wailing relative should cling to his stirrup, and decline to be beaten off.

From The Curse of Koshiu A Chronicle of Old Japan by Wingfield, Lewis