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

“I bet you could get pretty close to that rate or maybe even exceed it and be able to take your money out any time.”

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2026

“You could also invest in the Hermès shares, which are maybe a little bit more liquid in the market. You could probably be making a similar amount.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

"If we can slow down aging in the brain for those people most at risk, maybe we can reduce the risk of them developing Alzheimer's disease."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 6, 2026

To get those big numbers, you’ve got to bowl with frequency and we only go maybe once or twice a week.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026

It’s this moment that makes me realize that she’ll understand what Mom never will, and maybe Mom was right, forcing me to come here.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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