maymodal verb
uk/meɪ/us/meɪ/may modal verb (POSSIBILITY)
A2 used to express possibility:
There may be other problems that we don't know about.
I may see you tomorrow before I leave.
The cause of the accident may never be discovered.
The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection.
We'd better not interfere - she may not like it.
There may be some evidence to suggest she's guilty, but it's hardly conclusive.
Compare
might modal verb
More examples
- If used on delicate skin, this cream may produce a stinging sensation.
- People who suffer a stroke may experience a loss of speech.
- This afternoon we may see some wintry showers over higher ground.
- We may have to sell the house, but I hope it won't come to that.
- I worry about the destructive effect that violent films may have on children.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Achievable
- -ible
- able
- achievable
- attainable
- doable
- enabled
- feasibility
- feasibility study
- feasible
- humanly
- manageable
- might
- poss
- possible
- practicable
- practical
- practicality
- reach
- running
- viable
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Possible and probable
may modal verb (PERMISSION)
B1 formal used to ask or give permission:
A reader may borrow up to six books at any one time.
"May I help myself to some more food?" "Yes, of course."
Hi, my name's Tiffany. How may I help you?
Compare
might modal verb
More examples
- Hello, may I speak to Ken Griffey senior, please?
- "Higgins, you may go now." "Very good, sir."
- Now a round of quick-fire questions - the first person to press their buzzer may answer.
- Ask your teacher if you may sit at the front of the class until your glasses are repaired.
- Excuse me - is this someone's seat, or may I sit here?
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Allowing and permitting
- admit of sth
- allow
- allow of sth
- allowable
- authorization
- authorize
- concession
- green
- head
- leave
- let sb/sth in
- let sb/sth out
- licence
- license
- mandate
- OK
- open the floodgates idiom
- sanction
- submit
- unlicensed
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Polite expressions
may modal verb (WISH)
formal used to introduce a wish or a hope:
May you have a long and fruitful marriage.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Wanting things
- ache for sth
- acquisitive
- ambitious
- angle
- angle for sth
- aspirant
- fancy
- finger
- hang the cost/expense idiom
- hanker after/for sth
- have your eye on sth idiom
- hunger
- hunger after/for sth
- pine
- set your sights on sth idiom
- shook
- sight
- sth is calling you idiom
- straw
- tempt
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Idiom(s)
be that as it may
may I ask
may well
maynoun [ U ]
uk/meɪ/us/meɪ/also may blossomthe flowers of the hawthorn tree
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Flowers & flowering plants
- anemone
- antirrhinum
- aster
- aubretia
- begonia
- catkin
- delphinium
- dogwood
- evening primrose
- forget-me-not
- forsythia
- marigold
- narcissus
- nasturtium
- oleander
- orchid
- water lily
- wild flower
- wisteria
- woodbine
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Flowers - general words