maybe

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   Perhaps, possibly.

   A small extra effort now can maybe save you much work later.

2. 2
   adv

   Perhaps that is true (expressing no commitment to a decision or a neutral viewpoint to a statement).

   Okay. See you later, maybe. — Maybe I’ll see you later.

3. 3
   adv

   Certainly.

   Maybe not the best idea.

4. 4
   adj

   Possible; uncertain.

   Then add those may-be years thou hast to live

5. 5
   noun

   An answer that shows neither agreement nor disagreement.

   The results of the poll were inconclusive. We got two yeses, three nos, and four maybes.

6. 6
   noun

   A future event that may or may not happen.

   About your raise: it's a big maybe.

7. 7
   adv

   by chance

8. 8
   noun

   Something that is possibly true.

Etymology

From an ellipsis of Middle English it may be, equivalent to may + be. Compare mayhap.