v.aux. (3rd sing. present may; past might) 1 (often foll. by well for emphasis) expressing possibility (it may be true; I may have been wrong; you may well lose your way). 2 expressing permission (you may not go; may I come in?). °Both can and may are used to express permission; in more formal contexts may is usual since can also denotes capability (can I move? = am I physically able to move?; may I move = am I allowed to move?). 3 expressing a wish (may he live to regret it). 4 expressing uncertainty or irony in questions (who may you be?; who are you, may I ask?). 5 in purpose clauses and after wish, fear, etc. (take such measures as may avert disaster; hope he may succeed). be that as it may (or that is as may be) that may or may not be so (implying that there are other factors) (be that as it may, I still want to go).
[ OE mg f. Gmc, rel. to MAIN(1), MIGHT(2) ]