/ 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 .