perhaps
gb/pɚhˈæps/ us/pɚhˈæps/
A2
English
~ 300
talán, lehet, hogy, esetleg
A2
1
talán
A2
lehet, hogy
A2
Usage pattern:
Perhaps [clause]
Perhaps she forgot about the meeting.
Talán elfelejtette a megbeszélést.
It will, perhaps, take longer than we thought.
Talán tovább tart majd, mint gondoltuk.
Perhaps we should try a different approach.
The weather will perhaps improve by afternoon.
Learner examples
Perhaps it will rain today.
Talán ma esni fog.
She is perhaps at the store.
Talán a boltban van.
Perhaps they are busy now.
Perhaps I can help you.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perhaps' with 'maybe' in terms of position in a sentence. 'Perhaps' is more flexible and can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Meaning
possibly but not certainly
Collocations
perhaps not
|perhaps even
|perhaps because
Synonyms
maybe (More common in everyday speech; slightly less formal than 'perhaps'.)
|
possibly (Focuses more on the chance of something happening, often in neutral or formal contexts.)
Antonyms
certainly (Indicates complete certainty, the opposite of uncertainty expressed by 'perhaps'.)
|
definitely (Strongly confirms something as true, removing doubt.)
Themes
communication
|probability
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say that something might be true, but you are not sure.
Used to indicate that something may be true, but is not certain.
B1
2
Usage pattern:
Perhaps [someone] could [verb]
Perhaps you could speak to him directly.
Esetleg beszélhetnél vele közvetlenül.
Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow.
Talán várnunk kellene holnapig.
Perhaps it would be better to start early.
Learner examples
Perhaps we should go now.
Talán mennünk kellene most.
Perhaps you can call her.
Esetleg felhívhatod.
Perhaps he can help us.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'maybe' in polite contexts where 'perhaps' sounds more formal and suitable.
Meaning
used for polite suggestions
Collocations
perhaps you could
|perhaps we should
|perhaps it would be best
Synonyms
maybe (More casual and less formal in tone when making suggestions.)
|
possibly (Less common for making suggestions; sounds slightly more formal.)
Themes
politeness
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to make a suggestion in a polite way.
Used to politely introduce or soften a suggestion or request.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perhaps
IPA
GB/pɚhˈæps/
US/pɚhˈæps/
Syllables & stress
per - haps (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: perhaps
- Plural: perhapses
Word family
Forms
perhapses
noun
Related words
possible
adjective A2
possibility
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
impossible
adjective A2
impossibility
noun B2
Expressions
or perhaps
1/ˈɔɹ pɚhˈæps/
fixed phrase
introduces another possible idea
Used to give another possible idea or choice.
Examples
- We could walk, or perhaps take a taxi.
- She might be at work, or perhaps with her friends.
perhaps even
1/pɚhˈæps ˈivən/
fixed phrase
adds an unexpected or stronger possibility
Used to say that something more surprising could also be true.
Examples
- This book is good, perhaps even great.
- It might take hours, perhaps even days.
perhaps not
1/pɚhˈæps nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
probably not true or correct
Used to say that something is probably not true or will not happen.
Examples
- He said he would come, but perhaps not.
- They might win, but perhaps not if it rains.