Maybe Meaning

UK /ˈmeɪbi/
US /ˈmeɪbi/
Word Definition
maybe meaning

Maybe Definition & Usage

adverb

Used to indicate that something is possible, but not certain.

Examples

  • "Maybe I'll go to the party if I finish my work."
  • "She might maybe come tomorrow, but she hasn’t confirmed yet."
  • "Maybe we could try a different approach to the project."
  • "I’m not sure, maybe I’ll meet you later."
  • "They’re maybe interested, but they haven’t made up their minds."
verb phrase

'Maybe' can be used as a modal verb phrase suggesting a lack of commitment or uncertainty.

Examples

  • "Maybe I should stay home tonight."
  • "Maybe we could go to the park after lunch."
  • "Maybe it’s best if you wait until tomorrow."
  • "He said maybe they’ll come to the event later."
  • "Maybe we can figure it out together."

Cultural Context

The word 'maybe' originates from Middle English, derived from the phrase 'may be', which combines the modal verb 'may' with the verb 'be'. It has evolved to express uncertainty or possibility in both casual and formal contexts.

The Maybe Game

Story

The Maybe Game

It was a sunny afternoon when Mia and Alex sat at their favorite café, sipping on iced lattes. The conversation between them had started, as it often did, with the usual question: what to do with the weekend? "So, what do you think about going hiking on Saturday?" Mia asked, looking over at Alex who was scrolling through his phone. Alex looked up, squinting slightly from the sun. "Maybe, but I haven’t hiked in ages. What if it’s too tiring?" Mia laughed. "That’s the whole point! But if it’s too much, we can always turn back early." Alex paused, tapping his fingers on the table. "Hmm, maybe I’ll be up for it. We could also maybe check out that new art exhibit downtown instead?" "That sounds like a backup plan," Mia said. "But hiking might be fun. It could be a new adventure." They continued their conversation, offering 'maybe' responses to every suggestion. Should they go to the beach instead of hiking? Maybe. Should they bring a picnic lunch or grab something on the way? Maybe. The word was like a gentle cushion between their decisions, allowing them the freedom to change their minds at any time. By the end of the afternoon, neither of them had come to a concrete decision. But they had made plans—sort of. It was the beauty of 'maybe' that they both appreciated: it left room for the unexpected. "Well, whatever we end up doing, it’ll be fun," Mia said with a smile. "Maybe we should just keep things open and see what happens." Alex agreed, nodding. "Definitely. Maybe we can figure it out when we wake up on Saturday." And with that, they parted ways, each feeling a little more at ease with the uncertainty that surrounded their weekend plans. After all, sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected.

The Maybe Game