might¹ Definition
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:
- expressing esp. a shade of doubt or a lesser degree of possibility it might rain
- expressing a lesser degree of permission might I go?
- 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 ()
might² Definition
might (mīt)
noun
- great or superior strength, power, force, or vigor
- strength or power of any degree
Etymology: ME mighte < OE miht, akin to Ger macht < IE base *māgh-, to be able > ON magn
might Synonyms
might Usage Examples
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.
Browse dictionary entries near might
- ‹ MIGA
- ‹ MIG
- ‹ miff
- ‹ Mies van der Rohe
- ‹ mien
- ‹ midyear
- ‹ midwinter
- ‹ midwifery
- ‹ midwife
- ‹ Midwestern
- mightily ›
- mightn't ›
- mighty ›
- mignon ›
- mignonette ›
- mignonette tree ›
- migraine ›
- migrant ›
- migrate ›
- migration ›

