peradventure

[ pur-uh d-ven-cher, per- ]

/ ˌpɜr ədˈvɛn tʃər, ˌpɛr- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR peradventure ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

chance, doubt, or uncertainty.

surmise.

adverb

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

Nearby words

Origin of peradventure

1250–1300; Middle English per aventure < Old French. See per, adventure

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for peradventure

To answer the bell that rings for prayers, peradventure—and also that which rings for hot water.
Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853)|Various
Then would I like a glass, Jacob, for I feel a sickening faintness upon me; yet be quick, peradventure the old woman may return.
Jacob Faithful|Captain Frederick Marryat
Peradventure thou mayest fall among his people, and among his kindred, for they were men of honour and renown.
The Three Perils of Man, Vol. 2 (of 3)|James Hogg
Peradventure he hath fetched them from some recent book of songs and sonnets; they say young Spencer hath lately written.
William Shakespeare as he lived.|Henry Curling

Something must be done, that is certain, beyond all peradventure, and John quickly grasps the situation.
Miss Caprice|St. George Rathborne

British Dictionary definitions for peradventure

peradventure

/ (pərədˈvɛntʃə, ˌpɜːr-) archaic /

adverb

by chance; perhaps

noun

chance, uncertainty, or doubt

Word Origin for peradventure

C13: from Old French par aventure by chance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for peradventure

peradventure

adv.

1620s, from Middle English peraventure (mid-15c.), from per auenture (late 13c.), from Old French par aventure (see adventure). Refashioned as though from Latin.