maybe
Americanadverb
noun
adverb
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:
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You may decide to do a trial run for your late husband’s birthday and maybe try something different for your anniversary.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 2026
Keener, who works in tech near Houston, estimated there were “north of 20, maybe 30” of them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
“A lot of times, guys maybe start to figure that out more toward the back end of their careers. He’s doing it right now at a young age.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
"My reaction was, 'I built it from scratch and now it is all gone and I don't want to go there again, at our stage of life, and maybe just go somewhere else'," Sandy admitted.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
A couple of glances from passersby were unmistakably hostile, but gradually I registered that others were merely curious, maybe even admiring.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
