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

Explanation

Perhaps means about the same thing as maybe: things that perhaps could happen might happen, or they might not. When someone asks if you want to do something and you say "Perhaps" — you haven't committed. It's another way of saying "I don't know" or "It's possible. Who knows?" People use perhaps when talking about things they aren't sure about, or things they don't want to answer in a decisive way. When a friend says, "Perhaps we'll go to that movie," don't count on it. He's keeping his options open.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

perhaps

This is perhaps the most important consideration if you’re weighing a premium card from a bank, airline or hotel chain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

Someone – a colleague perhaps – had informed the gang exactly where he worked and what he did.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

I would note that, perhaps not coincidentally, people covered by TPS are often eligible to apply for asylum.

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026

As for the remaining 40% of couples surveyed, they don’t appear to be coordinating, but they also don’t lose money because of it, perhaps for reasons such as both of them maximizing their match.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

She placed the holy book under her pillow perhaps for protection.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock