maybe

Used to say that something might be true or might happen.

• Maybe she is at home.
• We can maybe visit you tomorrow.
• Maybe I left my keys in the car.

Similar words: perhaps, possibly

Common phrases: maybe tomorrow, maybe next time, maybe you should, maybe try again

Used with an uncertain tone to suggest that something is actually quite clear.

• That was maybe a little rude!
• Spending all our rent money was maybe not your smartest move.
• You were maybe just slightly unfair to her, wouldn’t you say?

Common phrases: maybe just slightly, maybe a little

An answer that does not clearly say yes or no.

• Her answer was a maybe.
• We received three yeses and two maybes.
• I need a decision, not another maybe.

Common phrases: a definite maybe, answer with maybe

Something that might happen but is not certain.

• The trip is still a maybe.
• A promotion next year remains a big maybe.
• Too many maybes make it hard to plan.

Similar words: possibility

Opposites: certainty

Common phrases: a big maybe, still a maybe