Definition and meaning of English word "maybe"
maybe
/ˈmeɪbi/
Meaning
VerbPerhaps, possibly.
How to use
The adverb 'maybe' is commonly used in informal contexts to express uncertainty or possibility. A typical context for 'maybe' is in response to a question or in a sentence where a suggestion is being made. One grammatical nuance to note is that 'maybe' cannot be used as a direct response to a yes/no question in formal writing; instead, 'perhaps' or 'possibly' would be more suitable. Learners should also be aware that 'maybe' is often confused with 'may be', which is a verb phrase meaning 'to be allowed to' or 'to be able to'.
🇬🇧 English
maybe
Example
Maybe I will go.
Maybe it is true.
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Common phrases
- maybe someday— maybe someday
- maybe not— maybe not
- or maybe— or maybe
More Adverbs & Numbers words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #480 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "maybe" mean?▼
The English word "maybe" means "maybe" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "maybe"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "maybe" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "maybe"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Maybe I will go." (which translates as "maybe").
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