perhaps

American  

[per-haps] / pərˈhæps /

adverb

1. maybe; possibly.

   Perhaps the package will arrive today.

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perhaps British  

/ pəˈhæps, præps /

adverb

1. 1. possibly; maybe

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      he'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps

      perhaps you'll see him tomorrow

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1. it may happen, be so, etc; maybe

Etymology

Origin of perhaps

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier perhappes, perhapis “by haps”; equivalent to per + hap ¹ + -s ¹

Compare meaning

How does perhaps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• perhaps vs. maybe

Example Sentences

It is, perhaps, a sign of how they intend to move forward amid the Epstein fallout.

From BBC

Picking through the debris of the recent software stock slump, bitcoin’s regular winter meltdown, the dollar’s ongoing malaise and the memification of precious metals reveals an interesting, although perhaps not surprising, discovery.

From Barron's

These games were “exciting,” the word I assume most fans would use to explain the sport’s appeal, though perhaps not Mr. Klosterman.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yes, Maye also lost six fumbles but he only threw eight interceptions and was much cooler in the pocket, perhaps because he possesses one weapon that Darnold is missing.

From Los Angeles Times

There, an athlete can adopt a houseplant for the duration of his or her stay, nurturing it for a couple weeks before it’s donated to a local charity, perhaps for auction.

From Los Angeles Times