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

perhaps

adverb
 OPAL S
 
/pəˈhæps/,
 
/præps/
 
/pərˈhæps/
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  1.  
     possibly synonym maybe
    • ‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’
    • Perhaps he's forgotten.
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintya2
  2.  
     used when you want to make a statement or opinion less definite
    • This is perhaps his best novel to date.
    • He had a difficult upbringing, which perhaps explains why he behaves like that.
    Language Bank perhapsperhapsMaking an opinion sound less definite
      • Most cybercrime involves traditional crimes, such as theft and fraud, being committed in new ways. Phishing is perhaps the best-known example of this.
      • Cybercrime is possibly the biggest threat faced by businesses today.
      • Cybercrime has probably always been part of the internet from its beginning, but it has evolved enormously.
      • It seems that the more personal data organizations collect, the more opportunity there is for this data to be lost or stolen.
      • The risks posed by cybercrime to many organizations' operations and profits appear to be growing .
      • It seems clear that introducing national ID cards would do little to prevent identity theft.
      • It could be argued that the introduction of national ID cards might actually make identity theft easier.
      • It is possible that the only way to protect ourselves against DNA identity theft is to avoid the creation of national DNA databases.
      • It may be that it is impossible to protect yourself completely against identity theft, but you have to be as vigilant as possible.
    language bank at impersonal, opinion
    Topics Opinion and argumenta2
  3.  
     used when making a rough estimate
    • a change which could affect perhaps 20 per cent of the population
  4.  
     used when you agree or accept something unwillingly, or do not want to say that you think something is bad
    • ‘You could do it yourself.’ ‘Yeah, perhaps.’
    Topics Opinion and argumenta2
  5.  
     used when making a polite request, offer or suggestion
    • Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.
    • I think perhaps you've had enough to drink tonight.
    • Perhaps you’d like to have a shower before the others arrive.
    • Perhaps you would be good enough to let him know we are on our way.
    Topics Suggestions and advicea2
    6. Word Originlate 15th cent.: from per + hap ‘chance’.
See perhaps in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee perhaps in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: perhaps

Nearby words

dizzy
adjective
 
 
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