May

Word MAY
Character 3
Hyphenation may
Pronunciations /meɪ/

Definitions and meanings of "May"

What do we mean by may?

A hawthorn or its blossoms. noun

To be allowed or permitted to. auxiliary verb

Used to indicate a certain measure of likelihood or possibility. auxiliary verb

Used to express a desire or fervent wish. auxiliary verb

Used to express contingency, purpose, or result in clauses introduced by that or so that. auxiliary verb

To be obliged, as where rules of construction or legal doctrine call for a specified interpretation of a word used in a law or legal document. auxiliary verb

A maiden; a virgin. noun

A kinsman. noun

A person. noun

To celebrate May-day; take part in the festivities of Mayday: chiefly or only in the verbal noun maying and the derivative mayer: as, to go a maying.

The fifth month of the year, consisting of thirty-one days, reckoned on the continent of Europe and in America as the last month of spring, but in Great Britain commonly as the first of summer. noun

Figuratively, the early part or springtime of life. noun

lowercase The hawthorn: so called because it blooms in May. Also May-bush. noun

Some other plant, especially species of Spiræa: as, Italian may. noun

The festivities or games of May-day. noun

In Cambridge University, England, the Easter-term examination. noun

A. As an independent verb, or as a quasi-auxiliary: To have power; have ability; be able; can.

To indicate possibility with contingency.

In this sense, when a negative clause was followed by a contingent clause with if, may in the latter clause was formerly used elliptically, if I may meaning ‘if I can control it’ or ‘prevent it.’

Sometimes may is used merely to avoid a certain bluntness in putting a question, or to suggest doubt as to whether the person to whom the question is addressed will be able to answer it definitely.

To be strong; to have power (over).

(auxiliary) To be able; can.

To be able to go.

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) Expressing a present possibility; possibly.

(subjunctive present, defective) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).

Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.

Synonyms and Antonyms for May

The word "may" in example sentences

While it may provide some immediate easing of the pain and that's a big *may* this is only delaying the inevitable. ❋ Unknown (2007)

Unless there are any other myths I can dispel, lemme sign off with the reminder that while the feds and/or the state may *may* end up kicking in a share via the enterprise or empowerment zones, the beneficiaries of this deal will not only be these poverty-wage workers, but all of Los Angeles, as lowered poverty brings lowered crime, safer communities, stronger families, less drug use, fewer public health expenditures and more effective schools. ❋ Unknown (2007)

I think WoW's a hot virus -- it'll burn fast and two years from now WoW may be a ghost town *may* be ❋ Unknown (2006)

I think WoW's a hot virus -- it'll burn fast and two years from now WoW may be a ghost town *may* be. ❋ Unknown (2006)

Citizens who grew up East of the Tower of London may only *may* - not necessarily have an East End accent, regardless of whether they live north or south of the River Thames. ❋ Unknown (2005)

They may, by tacit or formal agreement, unite in fixing common rates on both the roads, or they _may_ attempt to do business with free competition. ❋ Charles Whiting Baker (N/A)

Of course it may be intended as compliment-terry; it _may_ mean "always entertaining and ever reddy." ❋ Various (N/A)

"Yes," she replied, "better times may be in store for you; I hope they are; you have certainly bought your corn at a very dear market lately, but you _may_ find a better one to go to yet." ❋ American Tract Society (N/A)

By the by, Mary, you may just mention to your mistress that I _may_ perhaps be detained rather later than usual to-day, and she is not to wait dinner for me. ' ❋ Various (N/A)

If I can pass the medical examination, which it is possible I may, though I fear my constitution _may_ be thought too weak, and if no obstacle impedes me, I think of marching in the ranks of the Oxbow Invincibles. ❋ Various (N/A)

And this furnishes a complete answer to the superficial objection that there is no need of the amendment because slavery is dead already; for ambition may revive it, and what ambition _may_ do it ❋ Various (N/A)

It may not be in my day; but my children _may_ see it. ❋ Daniel C. Eddy (N/A)

-- The Potential Subjunctive may designate _a mere possibility_ (English auxiliary _may_). ❋ Charles E. Bennett (N/A)

For the "crimson-quest may deepen to a sunrise"; he _may_ come back and find her waiting, ❋ Ethel Colburn Mayne (N/A)

I am going to Winchester again to-morrow; you may depend upon early information, when any change takes place, and should then prepare yourself for what the next letter _may_ announce. ❋ Richard Arthur Austen-Leigh (N/A)

I get a letter to say that the Rifle Brigade may leave for France at any time, and that Donald _may_ get some "leave" on Saturday or ❋ Donald Hankey (N/A)

We may make our get-away to the East, or we _may_ stop here for good -- under ground. ❋ Wilder Anthony (N/A)

A convulsion of nature may destroy the world in half an hour, as love, it is said, _may_ transform a man into an oyster; but either of these contingencies was as remote as the possibility of Allcraft's failure. ❋ Various (N/A)

Compounds of more than two words may be analyzed thus: +May have been written+ is composed of the compound auxiliary +may have been+ and the participle +written; may have been+ is composed of the compound auxiliary ❋ Brainerd Kellogg (N/A)

Even the elements which have hitherto been regarded as beyond the boundaries of man's will, may be completely controlled; not _may be_, but _will be_. ❋ Unknown (N/A)

Cross Reference for May

What does may mean?

Best Free Book Reviews
Best IOS App Reviews