perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio)
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
But — as efforts such as The Sun’s various front pages perhaps indicate — it’s been keeping up with a keen eye on stopping the hysteria from spilling over. Alex Ritman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 The latest episode in the royal saga has been eye-opening to many and may perhaps offer a moment of reflection for both the public and the palace. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 In other words, will some back off in contributing money or perhaps hedge their bets now that Ferbert potentially has flipped the script? Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 The final panel of the week was perhaps the most newsworthy. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 22 Mar. 2024 How Meyers herself wasn’t nominated for screenplay (or director) is perhaps a separate conversation. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 It’s expected to be months before a decision is reached and perhaps as long as a year. Chris Morris, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 Wander through the Harbert Antique Mall, where a back corner overflows with bolts of vintage fabric, and Sawyer Antique Mall for, perhaps, a miniature wood cow. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2024 The illustrious singer was impressed by his body of photo work and perhaps just as much by his thoughtful touch ahead of their meeting: a bouquet of yellow roses. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perhaps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perhaps was circa 1520

Dictionary Entries Near perhaps

Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps
pər-ˈ(h)aps,
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly
Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap

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