v.aux. (3rd sing. present may; past might)
1. (often foll. by well for emphasis) expressing possibility (it may be true; I may have been wrong; you may well lose your way).
2 expressing permission (you may not go; may I come in?).
Usage:
Both can and may are used to express permission; in more formal contexts may is usual since can also denotes capability (can I move? am I physically able to move?; may I move am I allowed to move?).
3 expressing a wish (may he live to regret it).
4 expressing uncertainty or irony in questions (who may you be?; who are you, may I ask?).
5 in purpose clauses and after wish, fear, etc. (take such measures as may avert disaster; hope he may succeed).
Phrases and idioms:
be that as it may (or that is as may be) that may or may not be so (implying that there are other factors) (be that as it may, I still want to go).
Etymology: OE m{aelig}g f. Gmc, rel. to MAIN(1), MIGHT(2)