might

might (mīt)

may
used as a modal auxiliary in verbal phrases with present or future time reference, generally equivalent to may in meaning and use, with the following functions:
1. expressing esp. a shade of doubt or a lesser degree of possibility it might rain
2. expressing a lesser degree of permission might I go?
3. expressing a lesser degree of obligation you might try to help

Etymology: ME mihte < OE, akin to Ger möchte

intransitive verb

used elliptically in the same functions as might ()

might (mīt)

noun

Etymology: ME mighte < OE miht, akin to Ger macht < IE base *māgh-, to be able > ON magn

Adjective modifier

military: Terrorism isn't about military might, who has the most guns.
naval: The essential point is that Sweden's former naval might... ... is now the subject of museums.
British: Saddam Hussein will undoubtedly be removed but only to be replaced by a pro-US stooge resting on US and British military might.
former: The essential point is that Sweden's former naval might... ... is now the subject of museums.

Modifies a noun

work: It is recognized that this might inconvenience work based candidates but it's felt that the integrity of the tests should be paramount.
thing: How different might things have been had they put more time into learning the skills of bluffing stylishly.

Preposition: in

course: That matter might in due course be considered by those responsible for these forms.

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