perhaps

by chance; "perhaps she will call tomorrow"; "we may possibly run into them at the concert"; "it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time"

You can say perhaps as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or accept, but think that it would be rude to disagree or refuse. `I'm sure we can make it,' he says. Perhaps, but it will not be easy

vagueness You use perhaps in opinions and remarks to make them appear less definite or more polite. Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that you simply cannot please everyone His very last paintings are perhaps the most puzzling Do you perhaps disapprove of Agatha Christie and her Poirot and Miss Marple?

{a} perchance, peradventure, it may be

vagueness You use perhaps to express uncertainty, for example, when you do not know that something is definitely true, or when you are mentioning something that may possibly happen in the future in the way you describe. Millson regarded her thoughtfully. Perhaps she was right In the end they lose millions, perhaps billions It was bulky, perhaps three feet long and almost as high Perhaps, in time, the message will get through They'd come soon, perhaps when the radio broadcast was over. = maybe

maybe; possibly; could be

By chance; peradventure; perchance; it may be

politeness You use perhaps when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Perhaps is also used in formal English to introduce requests. Perhaps I may be permitted a few suggestions Well, perhaps you'll come and see us at our place?

maybe

Maybe the only one here who has to do that is Tom. - Perhaps the only one here who has to do that is Tom.

Maybe you could learn a thing or two from Tom. - Perhaps you could learn a thing or two from Tom.

I tried to see if I could tell by his looks which way he had decided but I couldn't, and I thought praps it would be a good time to ask him and find out.

perh

perhaps