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Definition of maybe adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

maybe

adverb
 
/ˈmeɪbi/
 
/ˈmeɪbi/
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  1. used when you are not certain that something will happen or that something is true or is a correct number synonym perhaps
    • Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't.
    • ‘Are you going to sell your house?’ ‘Maybe.’
    • Is she right? Maybe, maybe not.
    • Maybe it will do me some good to go for a run.
    • It will cost two, maybe three hundred pounds.
    • We go there maybe once or twice a month.
    • There are two sides to every story, maybe even more in this case.
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintya1
  2. used when making a suggestion synonym perhaps
    • I thought maybe we could go together.
    • Maybe you should tell her.
    • Maybe we can meet for lunch next week sometime.
    • Maybe readers should be warned.
    • I've just got a new laptop, so maybe you can use my old one.
    Topics Suggestions and advicea1
  3. used when replying to a question or an idea, especially when you are not sure whether to agree or disagree synonym perhaps
    • ‘I think he should resign.’ ‘Maybe.’
    • ‘Am I nervous? Well, maybe just a little.’
    • ‘You should stop work when you have the baby.’ ‘Maybe, but I can't afford to.’
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintya1, Opinion and argumenta1
  4. Word Originlate Middle English: from the phrase it may be (that).
See maybe in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee maybe in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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