maybe

American  

[may-bee] / ˈmeɪ bi /

adverb

1. perhaps; possibly.

   Maybe I'll go too.

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noun

1. a possibility or uncertainty.

maybe British  

/ ˈmeɪˌbiː /

adverb

1. 1. perhaps

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      maybe I'll come tomorrow

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1. possibly; neither yes nor no

Etymology

Origin of maybe

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English may be, short for it may be

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Compare meaning

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

• perhaps vs. maybe

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Explanation

When you say maybe, you're not completely sure about your answer. If you say you'll maybe study at the library tonight, it is possible that you'll go there. Maybe is a shortened version of the Middle English phrase, "it may be." People use it when they're not sure about something — or they aren't ready to give their answer. Sometimes other things have to happen — or not happen — before you can be sure. For example, because it might rain tomorrow, you aren't sure there will be a baseball game. In the meantime, you answer, "Maybe," if someone asks if you are going to the game.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

maybe

“When it’s that lopsided, you’re like, maybe the market knows something that I don’t.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2026

Quarterback is the hardest piece to find, and maybe the most difficult position in sports.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Or maybe they won’t be able to pull off such a feat.

From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2026

"This is an appropriate time and place for the King to maybe have a change of heart and issue that apology for slavery," he said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026

“I know, but maybe if I remind him, he’ll at least do a little bit of it.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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