I. ˈmīt verbal auxiliary, past of may
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could
Date: before 12th century
— used in auxiliary function to express permission, liberty, probability, possibility in the past
the president might do nothing without the board's consent
or a present condition contrary to fact
if you were older you might understand
or less probability or possibility than may
might get there before it rains
or as a polite alternative to may
might I ask who is calling
or to ought or should
you might at least apologize
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group)
b.
(1) : bodily strength
(2) : the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable
striving with might and main
2. dialect : a great deal
Synonyms: see power