adv

perchance

pur-CHAHNS

Perchance (adv) means Perhaps; possibly (an old-fashioned or literary word). Example: “Perchance we shall meet again one day.”

adv

Perhaps; possibly (an old-fashioned or literary word).

"Perchance we shall meet again one day."

How to use perchance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying "maybe" or "perhaps", now mostly used for poetic or humorous effect.

When to use it

Rarely used in everyday modern speech; it sounds deliberately archaic or theatrical, as in Shakespeare's "to sleep, perchance to dream".

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_____ we shall meet again one day.

Etymology

From Old French par cheance, literally "by chance".

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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maybe perhaps possibly mayhap by chance peradventure

Related words

maybe perhaps possibly depends potentially accidentally arguably mayhap

Rhymes for perchance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

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Frequently asked questions

What does “perchance” mean?

The word “perchance” means perhaps; possibly (an old-fashioned or literary word). In plain terms, an old-fashioned way of saying "maybe" or "perhaps", now mostly used for poetic or humorous effect.

How do you pronounce “perchance”?

“Perchance” is pronounced pur-CHAHNS (/ˌpɜɹˈtʃæns/ in IPA).

How do you use “perchance” in a sentence?

Here is “perchance” used in a sentence: “Perchance we shall meet again one day.”

What part of speech is “perchance”?

“Perchance” is an adverb.

Where does the word “perchance” come from?

The word “perchance” comes from Old French. From Old French par cheance, literally "by chance".

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