may

[meɪ]

may Definition

• 1. expressing possibility
• 2. expressing permission
• 3. used to indicate a wish or hope

Using may: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "may" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  It may rain later today.

• Example

  May I ask you a question?

• Example

  May all your dreams come true.

• Example

  You may leave the room now.

may Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for may

• might
• could
• can
• shall
• will

Antonyms for may

• cannot
• must not
• should not

Phrases with may

• may as well

  used to suggest doing something because there is no good reason not to

  Example

  Since we have nothing else to do, we may as well go for a walk.

• may or may not

  used to indicate that something is uncertain or unknown

  Example

  I may or may not attend the party tonight, depending on how I feel.

• if I may say so

  used to politely introduce a comment or opinion

  Example

  If I may say so, I think your presentation was excellent.

Origins of may

from Old English 'mæg', meaning 'to be able'

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Summary: may in Brief

The word 'may' [meɪ] is a modal verb that expresses possibility, permission, and wishes. It can be used in phrases like 'may as well' to suggest doing something because there is no good reason not to, and 'if I may say so' to politely introduce a comment or opinion.