Word
perhaps
Used to express possibility or uncertainty about something.
Meanings
Possibly; maybe.
Definition
The adverb 'perhaps' is used to suggest that something is possible, but not entirely certain. It indicates a degree of doubt or a lack of definite knowledge about a situation or event. You can use 'perhaps' when you want to sound less direct or more polite than simply stating a fact.
Examples
- Perhaps we should bring an umbrella; it looks like it might rain.
- She hasn't called yet, perhaps she's busy with her new project.
- If you practice a little more, perhaps you'll get a higher score next time.
- They said they would visit next week, perhaps on Thursday or Friday.
- Perhaps the best way to solve this problem is to talk it through calmly.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'maybe' and 'perhaps' interchangeably, but 'perhaps' often sounds slightly more formal or polite.
Learn this in a path
More at B1 level
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.
- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …
- democracy Democracy is a system of government in which people choose their leaders through voting.
- simile A simile is a comparison that says one thing is like or as another.
- protagonist A protagonist is the main character in a story, play, or film.
More adverbs
- farther Farther means at a greater physical distance than something else.
- further Further means at a greater distance or to a greater degree, or it refers to additional things.
- literally Literally means “in the exact, real sense,” not figuratively or as an exaggeration.
- figuratively Figuratively means in a non-literal way, using a metaphor or image to express an idea.
- slightly To a small degree; a little.