/ meɪ; NAmE / modal verb , noun
■ modal verb ( negative may not , rare short form pt mayn't / ˈmeɪənt; NAmE /, pt might / maɪt; NAmE /, negative might not , rare short form mightn't / ˈmaɪtnt; NAmE /)
1.
used to say that sth is possible :
That may or may not be true.
He may have (= perhaps he has) missed his train.
They may well win.
There is a range of programs on the market which may be described as design aids.
2.
used when admitting that sth is true before introducing another point, argument, etc. :
He may be a good father but he's a terrible husband.
3.
( formal ) used to ask for or give permission :
May I come in?
You may come in if you wish.
➡ note at can (I)
4.
( formal ) used as a polite way of making a comment, asking a question, etc. :
You look lovely, if I may say so.
May I ask why you took that decision?
If I may just add one thing ...
5.
( formal ) used to express wishes and hopes :
May she rest in peace.
Business has been thriving in the past year. Long may it continue to do so.
6.
( formal ) used to say what the purpose of sth is :
There is a need for more resources so that all children may have a decent education.
➡ note at modal
•
IDIOMS
- be that as it may
■ noun
[ U ] the white or pink flowers of the hawthorn
••
WORD ORIGIN
verb Old English mæg , of Germanic origin, from a base meaning have power; related to Dutch mogen and German mögen , also to main and might strength .
noun late Middle English : from May .