maybe

American  

[mey-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

Compare meaning

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

• perhaps vs. maybe

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

Just had another 3 ambulances go past them so thinking maybe people are getting ill in the heat now.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

“The Filipino influence is incredibly strong, and maybe we haven’t fully conceptualized the scope of its historical importance ... for this part of Mexico.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

“China should host the World Cup. English experience is that you can only win when you play at home. And maybe have a blind Russian linesman.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Or, maybe, the original text of the request is serious.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2026

As my gaze finds its way to him, to find him maybe looking, but then looking away immediately, I feel crushed.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith