What does “perhaps” mean?
- 1
adverbused to say something is possible but not certain
Perhaps she missed the bus.
- 2
adverbused to make a request or suggestion more polite
Perhaps we could talk about this tomorrow.
Perhaps at a glance
- Part of speech
- adverb
- CEFR level
- A2 (elementary)
- Pronunciation
- /pərˈhæps/ · per-HAPS
How to use “perhaps” correctly
“Perhaps” is a little more formal than “maybe,” but they mean the same thing.
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- maybe
- possibly
“perhaps” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- certainly adverbA2without any doubt
- probably adverbA2very likely; used when you are almost sure something is true or will happen
- able adjectiveA2having the skill, time or chance to do something
- accept verbA2to take or agree to something that is offered
- against prepositionA2not agreeing with or supporting something
- attention nounA2careful thought, listening or looking
- certain adjectiveA2completely sure about something
- chance nounA2the possibility that something will happen