MAYBE


Meaning of MAYBE in English

/ ˈmeɪbi; NAmE / adverb

1.

used when you are not certain that sth will happen or that sth is true or is a correct number

SYN perhaps :

Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't.

'Are you going to sell your house?' 'Maybe.'

It will cost two, maybe three hundred pounds.

We go there maybe once or twice a month.

2.

used when making a suggestion

SYN perhaps :

I thought maybe we could go together.

Maybe you should tell her.

3.

used to agree with sb, and to add more information that should be thought about

SYN perhaps :

'You should stop work when you have the baby.' 'Maybe, but I can't afford to.'

4.

used when replying to a question or an idea, when you are not sure whether to agree or disagree

SYN perhaps :

'I think he should resign.' 'Maybe.'

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : from the phrase it may be (that) .

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