Perhaps Definition

pər-hăps

adverb

Possibly; maybe.

Webster's New World

Perhaps is defined as possibly or maybe, or as a polite way to give advice or make a suggestion.

When someone asks if you are going to attend a party and you are not yet sure, this is an example of a time when you might say "perhaps I will go."

When you want to politely suggest to someone that they change their shirt, this is an example of a time when you might say "perhaps you would like to change your shirt."

YourDictionary

Modifies a verb, indicating a lack of certainty.

Perhaps John will come over for dinner.

Wiktionary

(rare) By chance.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Perhaps

Alteration (via plural -s or adverbial -s) of earlier perhap, equivalent to per +"Ž hap (“chance, coincidence").

From Wiktionary
From Middle English perhap per by (from Latin per) hap chance hap

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition