maybe

Maybe is an English adverb that expresses possibility or uncertainty. It can modify a verb, as in Maybe I'll go to the party, or introduce a clause, as in Maybe it will rain later. It also functions as a standalone sentence adverb: Maybe. In everyday use it is more common than the more formal perhaps, though both convey a similar sense. A common caution is to distinguish maybe (one word) from may be (two words), the latter being the present tense of the modal verb may followed by be.

Etymology and history: The modern single word maybe originated as a contraction of the two-word phrase may be. It appeared in Early Modern English and gradually became established in written and spoken English. The shift from may be (two words) to maybe (one word) reflects a broader tendency in English toward compact forms in informal contexts.

Usage notes: Maybe is typically placed before the main verb or clause it modifies. Its tone is informal; in formal writing, perhaps is often preferred, or phrases such as it may be the case or it is possible that may be used. In addition to positive possibilities, maybe can be used in negative and ironic constructions, such as Maybe not, or Maybe so, though the latter is sometimes heard as a hedged agreement.

Cross-linguistic perspective: English speakers often use maybe as a quick expression of doubt or possibility. Equivalents in other languages include perhaps in English, quizá in Spanish, peut-être in French, perhaps in German, and возможно in Russian. The exact nuance can vary by context and register.