maybe
gb/mˈeɪbi/ us/mˈeɪbi/
A2
English
~ 1000
talán
A2
1
talán
A2
Usage pattern:
Maybe [clause]
Maybe we'll go to the beach if the weather is nice.
Talán elmegyünk a strandra, ha jó lesz az idő.
I don't know—maybe he's just tired.
Nem tudom – talán csak fáradt.
She said she would maybe call me later.
Maybe this isn't the right time to talk.
We could maybe try a different approach.
Learner examples
Maybe it will rain today.
Talán ma esni fog.
He will maybe come to the party.
Talán eljön a buliba.
Maybe we can eat pizza for dinner.
She will maybe call you tomorrow.
Maybe they are at the park.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'maybe' (adverb) with 'may be' (verb phrase). 'Maybe' is one word and means 'perhaps', while 'may be' is two words and means 'might be'.
Meaning
Possibly; perhaps
Collocations
maybe later
|maybe not
|maybe tomorrow
|maybe someday
Synonyms
perhaps (Slightly more formal or literary than 'maybe'.)
|
possibly (More tentative or cautious than 'maybe'.)
Antonyms
definitely (Indicates complete certainty, the opposite of uncertainty.)
|
certainly (Expresses strong confidence that something will happen or is true.)
Themes
daily life
|conversation
|thinking
|decisions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say something could happen or be true, but you are not sure.
Used to show that something is possible but not certain.
Grammar
Dictionary form
maybe
IPA
GB/mˈeɪbi/
US/mˈeɪbi/
Syllables & stress
maybe (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (maybe)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: maybe
- Plural: maybes
Word family
Expressions
just maybe
1/d͡ʒˈʌst mˈeɪbi/
fixed phrase
informal
A slight chance of something
Used to say there is a small chance that something could happen.
Examples
- If we work hard, just maybe we can finish on time.
- Just maybe, you'll change your mind after hearing me out.
maybe yes, maybe no
1/mˈeɪbi jˈɛs | mˈeɪbi nˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
Uncertain outcome either way
Used to say you are not sure if the answer or result will be yes or no.
Examples
- Will they win? Maybe yes, maybe no.
- Maybe yes, maybe no—that's all I can say.