A2adverb 1K

Perhaps

UK /["/pəˈhæps//præps/"]/ US /["/pərˈhæps/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

possibly

Listen to definition

In simple words: maybe; it might be true

Examples

• ‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’
• Perhaps he's forgotten.
• This is perhaps his best novel to date.
• He had a difficult upbringing, which perhaps explains why he behaves like that.
• a change which could affect perhaps 20 per cent of the population
• ‘You could do it yourself.’ ‘Yeah, perhaps.’
• Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.
• I think perhaps you've had enough to drink tonight.
• Perhaps you’d like to have a shower before the others arrive.
• Perhaps you would be good enough to let him know we are on our way.

Usage notes

Use 'perhaps' in formal writing or speech. It's less common in casual conversations, where 'maybe' is preferred. Avoid using it when being certain.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'per-haps' as a way to say 'for a moment, maybe'.

Collocations

• perhaps we should
• perhaps it is
• perhaps he thought

Synonyms

• maybe
• possibly
• likely
• conceivably
• maybe not

Antonyms

• definitely
• certainly

Common mistakes

• 'Perhaps' can't be used as a noun.
• Confused with 'perchance', which is more archaic.
• Using 'perhaps' in very direct or commanding statements.