perhaps

The word “perhaps” means possibly; maybe. In plain terms, a softer way of saying "maybe", often used to make a suggestion sound more polite.

“Perhaps” is pronounced puh-HAPS (/pɚˈhæps/ in IPA).

Here is “perhaps” used in a sentence: “Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow to decide.”

Words with a similar meaning to “perhaps” include bechance, belike, maybe, mayhap, mayhaps and peradventure.

“Perhaps” is an adverb.

The word “perhaps” comes from Middle English. From Middle English perhappes, formed from "per" plus "hap" ("chance") and the adverbial suffix "-s".

“Perhaps” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The two mean almost the same thing and can usually be swapped without changing the sense. The difference is tone: perhaps sounds a little more formal, polite or considered, and is common in writing, while maybe is more casual and relaxed, and turns up more often in everyday speech.

Perhaps sits on the more formal side. It is perfectly at home in essays, business writing and polite conversation, where it can gently soften a statement or suggestion. It is not stiff or old-fashioned, though; it remains a common, natural word that fits comfortably in almost any context.

Perhaps usually introduces a possibility or a tentative suggestion. You might say 'Perhaps it will rain later', or 'Perhaps we should leave now'. It often opens a sentence, but it can also sit in the middle, as in 'The answer is perhaps simpler than it looks'.