/ pəˈhæps; præps; NAmE pərˈh-/ adverb
1.
possibly
SYN maybe :
'Are you going to come?' 'Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.'
Perhaps he's forgotten.
2.
used when you want to make a statement or opinion less definite :
This is perhaps his best novel to date.
3.
used when making a rough estimate :
a change which could affect perhaps 20% of the population
4.
used when you agree or accept sth unwillingly, or do not want to say strongly that you disapprove :
'You could do it yourself.' 'Yeah, perhaps.'
5.
used when making a polite request, offer or suggestion :
Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.
I think perhaps you've had enough to drink tonight.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from per + hap chance .