maybe
gb/mˈeɪbi/ us/mˈeɪbi/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Possibly; perhaps
Used to say something could happen or be true, but you are not sure.
Usage pattern:
Maybe [clause]
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'.
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.)
Collocations
maybe later
|maybe not
|maybe tomorrow
|maybe someday
Themes
daily life
|conversation
|thinking
|decisions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Maybe we'll go to the beach if the weather is nice.
- I don't know—maybe he's just tired.
- 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.
- He will maybe come to the party.
- Maybe we can eat pizza for dinner.
- She will maybe call you tomorrow.
- Maybe they are at the park.
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.