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
Antonyms:
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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

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