perhaps

per-haps · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    Possibly; maybe.

  2. 2.

    Used to express uncertainty or make a polite suggestion.

  3. 3.

    Used when giving an approximate number or amount.

Related words

Antonyms: certainly, definitely
See also: certainly, maybe, possibly, probably
Synonyms: conceivably, maybe, possibly

Etymology

From Middle English per haps, meaning "by chance," from per (by) + haps, plural of hap meaning "chance, fortune." The phrase gradually became a single word during the 16th century. Hap comes from Old Norse happ meaning "luck, chance."