MIGHT


Meaning of MIGHT in English

/ maɪt; NAmE / modal verb , noun

■ modal verb ( negative might not , short form mightn't / ˈmaɪtnt; NAmE /)

1.

used as the past tense of may when reporting what sb has said :

He said he might come tomorrow.

2.

used when showing that sth is or was possible :

He might get there in time, but I can't be sure.

I know Vicky doesn't like the job, but I mightn't find it too bad.

The pills might have helped him, if only he'd taken them regularly.

He might say that now (= it is true that he does) , but he can soon change his mind.

3.

used to make a polite suggestion :

You might try calling the help desk.

I thought we might go to the zoo on Saturday.

4.

( BrE ) used to ask permission politely :

Might I use your phone?

If I might just say something ...

5.

( formal ) used to ask for information :

How might the plans be improved upon?

And who might she be?

6.

used to show that you are annoyed about sth that sb could do or could have done :

I think you might at least offer to help!

Honestly, you might have told me!

7.

used to say that you are not surprised by sth :

I might have guessed it was you!

8.

used to emphasize that an important point has been made :

'And where is the money coming from?' 'You might well ask!'

➡ note at modal

IDIOMS

see well

■ noun

[ U ] ( formal or literary ) great strength, energy or power :

America's military might

I pushed the rock with all my might .

IDIOMS

- might is right

••

WORD ORIGIN

noun Old English miht , mieht , of Germanic origin; related to the verb may .

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.