perchance

American  

[per-chans, -chahns] / pərˈtʃæns, -ˈtʃɑns /

adverb

1. Literary. perhaps; maybe; possibly.

2. Archaic. by chance.

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perchance British  

/ pəˈtʃɑːns /

adverb

1. perhaps; possibly

2. by chance; accidentally

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Etymology

Origin of perchance

1300–50; Middle English, variant of par chance by chance < Anglo-French. See per, chance

Explanation

Perchance means “by chance” and is an old-fashioned or literary way to say “maybe.” Perchance comes from the Old French phrase par cheance, which means — you guessed it — "by chance." Perchance thinking of a French poet such as Baudelaire will help you remember the definition. People use this word when they’re unsure of something, and they want to sound fancy. If you say, “Perchance it will rain,” you’re not sure about the chance of rain, and you might be wearing a chapeau. Use the word perchance if you like to kick it old school.

Example Sentences

I think I realized something was up when I began wondering if he, perchance, liked guys.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2021

Instead, they’ll take it easy and probably even grab a nap, perchance to dream a mid-dream-day’s dream.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2018

Mr. Wallace then wondered whether the Senate should waive the filibuster rule with this legislation, if perchance the House happened to pass it.

From Washington Times • Jun. 24, 2018

Grammer's Brady is most interesting when he's not huffing and puffing and remembers what's good about his life, but he is required frequently to huff and puff, perchance to blow his own house down.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2017

"It would seem he has met some trouble on the road. My lord father is quite vexed. You would not perchance have any notion of who might have wished my brother ill, would you?"

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin