Definition of may
What does the word may mean?
-
-
part of speech: verb
(3rd sing. May; past might), expr. possibility, as it may be true (neg. it cannot be), it may not be (perhaps is not) true, you may walk miles without seeing one, he may or might (perhaps will) lose his way, I was afraid he might (perhaps would) lose his way, afraid he might have (perhaps had) lost it; expr. permission, as you may (neg. MUST not or cannot) go, I wish I might; you might (I request you to) call at the baker\'s; you might (ought to, yet do not) offer to help, you might (ought to) have offered; (in final clauses, & after wish, fear, &c.) take, took, such a ourse as may, might, avert the danger, i hope he may, hoped he might, succeed; (expr. wish) may you live to repent it!; (in questions, emphasizing uncertainty) who may you be?, I asked him who he might be; may be (also archaic mayhap), perhaps. [old English]
-
part of speech: noun
-
part of speech: noun
Fifth month of year; (fig.) bloom, prime; Queen of (the) M., girl chosen to be queen of games on May-day; hawthorn (blossom); (Camb. Univ., pl.) M. examination, M. boat-races held during M.-week (late in M. or early in June); M.-day, May 1 (maying, keeping this, picking m.); m.-fly, an ephemeral insect; m.-games, on M.-day; may-pole, pole painted& decked with flowers, for dancing round on M.-day. [French]
-
part of speech: noun
Mayfair, fashionable London district enclosed by Park lane, Oxford street, Regent street, & Piceadilly (named from fair formerly held in May); M. meetings, of religious& philanthropical societies held during M. in London.
-