might
1simple past tense of may1.
(used to express possibility): They might be at the station.
(used to express advisability): You might at least thank me.
(used in polite requests for permission): Might I speak to you for a moment?
Words Nearby might
Other definitions for might (2 of 2)
physical strength: He swung with all his might.
superior power or strength; force: the theory that might makes right.
power or ability to do or accomplish; capacity: the might of the ballot box.
Origin of might
2synonym study For might
Opposites for might
Other words from might
- mightless, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use might in a sentence
Aksyonov has great fun inventing a culturally pureed lexicon for his might-have-been cosmopolitan Russians.
This 1979 Novel Predicted Putin’s Invasion Of Crimea | Michael Weiss | May 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut the failed stars and might-have-beens make for even more compelling narratives.
Like all might-have-beens, this one fades away into airy speculation.
No poorest man on earth would change places with this man-that-might-have-been, for his time draws nigh and his end is perdition.
Raemaekers' Cartoons | Louis RaemaekersHis dreams were ended, the "might-have-been" would never be, but he knew that there was peace in that little breast at last.
The Imaginary Marriage | Henry St. John Cooper
No wonder you are feeling nervous and upset over the might-have-beens.
Letty and the Twins | Helen Sherman GriffithShe commented adversely upon each play I made, and in between times lectured me upon might-have-beens.
I Walked in Arden | Jack CrawfordCritics have called Keats and others who died young “the great might-have-beens of literary history.”
Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens | G. K. Chesterton
British Dictionary definitions for might (1 of 2)
/ (maɪt) /
making the past tense or subjunctive mood of may 1 he might have come last night
(often foll by well) expressing theoretical possibility: he might well come . In this sense might looks to the future and functions as a weak form of may: See may 1 (def. 2)
Origin of might
1might
British Dictionary definitions for might (2 of 2)
/ (maɪt) /
power, force, or vigour, esp of a great or supreme kind
physical strength
(with) might and main See main 1 (def. 8)
Origin of might
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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