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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Origin: | per + haps, plural of hap 'chance' (13-20 centuries) ( HAPPY) |
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per‧haps S2 W1
1 used to say that something may be true, but you are not sure [= maybe]: 
Perhaps she's next door.Perhaps it will snow tomorrow. It won't take so long next time, perhaps.
Perhaps she's next door.Perhaps it will snow tomorrow.It won't take so long next time, perhaps.2 used to give your opinion, when you do not want to be too definite [= maybe]: This is perhaps her finest novel yet. The industrial revolution was, perhaps, the most important event in history.
This is perhaps her finest novel yet.The industrial revolution was, perhaps, the most important event in history.3 used to say that a number is only a guess [= maybe]: The room was large, perhaps twenty feet square. Perhaps 200 people were there.
The room was large, perhaps twenty feet square.Perhaps 200 people were there.4 spoken used to politely ask or suggest something, or say what you are going to do [= maybe]: I thought perhaps we'd have lunch in the garden.
I thought perhaps we'd have lunch in the garden.
