peradventure

[ pur-uhd-ven-cher, per- ]

noun

, Rare.

1. chance, doubt, or uncertainty.
2. surmise ( def 5 ).

adverb

1. Archaic. it may be; maybe; possibly; perhaps.

peradventure

/ ˌpɜːr-; pərədˈvɛntʃə /

adverb

1. by chance; perhaps

noun

1. chance, uncertainty, or doubt

Word History and Origins

Origin of peradventure¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English per aventure, from Old French; per, adventure

Word History and Origins

Origin of peradventure¹

C13: from Old French par aventure by chance

Example Sentences

My general take is my son’s father-in-law is pretty much sanctimonious beyond all peradventure.

From Washington Post

He could not feel any real happiness until he learned beyond peradventure that all was well.

From Project Gutenberg

Further on we read, now the feathers you may peradventure find, but the headpiece for the most part is laid aside.

From Project Gutenberg

The trumpet and the opening coffin indicate peradventure the resurrection.

From Project Gutenberg

Fermor determines to try Custrin in the like way,—if peradventure Prussian soldiery be like Turk?

From Project Gutenberg

And he clung to her the more desperately—as though by crushing her peradventure he might capture it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conceivably
• likely
• perhaps
• probably