perhaps

perhaps
[[t]pə(r)hæ̱ps, præ̱ps[/t]]
♦
1) ADV: ADV with cl/group (vagueness) You use perhaps to express uncertainty, for example, when you do not know that something is definitely true, or when you are mentioning something that may possibly happen in the future in the way you describe.

Millson regarded her thoughtfully. Perhaps she was right...

In the end they lose millions, perhaps billions...

He does not paint for very long on any one painting, perhaps for two and a half hours at a time...

It was bulky, perhaps three feet long and almost as high...

Perhaps, in time, the message will get through...

They'd come soon, perhaps when the radio broadcast was over.

Syn:
possibly, maybe
Ant:
2) ADV: ADV with cl/group (vagueness) You use perhaps in opinions and remarks to make them appear less definite or more polite.

Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that you simply cannot please everyone...

His very last paintings are perhaps the most puzzling...

The lesson from all of this is perhaps a broader one...

Do you perhaps disapprove of Agatha Christie and her Poirot and Miss Marple?...

He was not perhaps physically the strongest in the class.

3) ADV: ADV with cl (politeness) You use perhaps when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Perhaps is also used in formal English to introduce requests.

Perhaps I may be permitted a few suggestions...

Well, perhaps you'll come and see us at our place?...

Perhaps if you rang me when you got back to your office?

4) ADV: ADV as reply You can say perhaps as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or accept, but think that it would be rude to disagree or refuse.

`You know it doesn't make sense for you.' - `Perhaps. I don't know. Maybe it does maybe it doesn't.'...

`I'm sure we can make it,' he says. Perhaps, but it will not be easy.


English dictionary. 2008.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Perhaps — Per*haps , adv. [Per + hap chance.] By chance; peradventure; perchance; it may be. [1913 Webster] And pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Acts viii. 22. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • perhaps — 1520s, formed from M.E. per, par by, through + plural of hap chance (see HAPPEN (Cf. happen)), on model of peradventure, perchance, etc. which now have been superseded by this word …   Etymology dictionary

  • perhaps — [adv] possibly as it may be, as the case may be, conceivably, feasibly, for all one knows, imaginably, it may be, maybe, perchance, reasonably; concept 552 Ant. improbably, never, unlikely …   New thesaurus

  • perhaps — ► ADVERB 1) expressing uncertainty or possibility. 2) used when making a polite request or suggestion. ORIGIN from PER(Cf. ↑per) + HAP(Cf. ↑H) …   English terms dictionary

  • perhaps — [pər haps′] adv. [ PER1 + haps, pl. of HAP1] possibly; maybe …   English World dictionary

  • perhaps — per|haps [ pər hæps ] adverb *** Perhaps can be used in the following ways: as a sentence adverb (making a comment on the whole sentence or clause): Perhaps we ve met before. as an ordinary adverb (before a number): He was perhaps 95. 1. ) used… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • perhaps */*/*/ — UK [pə(r)ˈhæps] / US [pərˈhæps] adverb Summary: Perhaps can be used in the following ways: as a sentence adverb (making a comment on the whole sentence or clause): Perhaps we ve met before. as an ordinary adverb (before a number): He was perhaps… …   English dictionary

  • perhaps — per|haps W1S2 [pəˈhæps, præps US pər , præps] adv [Date: 1400 1500; Origin: per + haps, plural of hap chance (13 20 centuries) ( HAPPY)] 1.) used to say that something may be true, but you are not sure = ↑maybe ▪ Perhaps she s next door. ▪… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • perhaps — adverb 1 possibly; maybe: This is perhaps her finest novel yet. | Perhaps she s next door. | Do you think Mark s upset? Perhaps. | perhaps not: Do you think I dare ask him? Perhaps not. 2 used to say that a number is only a guess: The room was… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • perhaps*/*/*/ — [pəˈhæps] adv 1) used for saying that you are not certain whether something is true I haven t seen them for months – perhaps they ve moved away.[/ex] There were perhaps a dozen women in the audience.[/ex] 2) spoken used when you are making a… …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

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