perhaps

[per-haps]

adverb

1. maybe; possibly.

   Perhaps the package will arrive today.

perhaps

/ pəˈhæps, præps /

adverb

1. 1. possibly; maybe

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      he'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps

      perhaps you'll see him tomorrow

1. it may happen, be so, etc; maybe

Word History and Origins

Origin of perhaps¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier perhappes, perhapis “by haps”; equivalent to per + hap ¹ + -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perhaps¹

C16 perhappes, from per by + happes chance, _hap ¹

Example Sentences

If “Romulus” represents the start of a new branch for the franchise, perhaps whoever determines its next chapter can draw on the confidence of knowing they don’t have to elevate another Ripley clone.

From Salon

Bolling, saying something sensible for the first, and perhaps last, time in his life, observed, “He can prove it’s a hoax by releasing it!”

From Salon

She became the first member of the Royal Family to convert to Catholicism since the Act of Settlement in 1701 - but that was not, perhaps, her most surprising decision.

From BBC

I am conscious of the acute challenges Ministers face - perhaps uniquely - in managing the demands of their personal lives and their public responsibilities.

From BBC

They acknowledged it would be a terrible look but perhaps the least terrible option.

From BBC