might

UK: /ˈmaɪt/ US: /maɪt/ ,(mīt)

From the verb may: (⇒ conjugate)

might is: ⓘ

v aux past

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

might¹ /maɪt/   auxiliary (modal) v. [~ + root form of a verb] , pres. sing. and pl. might;
 past might. 

1. • (used to express the speaker's uncertainty about the possibility of the occurrence of the main verb):
     It might rain. You might be right.
   • (used to express an opinion about something that did not happen, but for which there was a strong possibility):
     I can't believe he did that; he might have been killed! (= There was a possibility, but in fact he was not killed)
   • (used to express that some action is or would have been a good idea):
     They might at least have tried to get there on time.
   • (used to suggest some action):
     You might begin by apologizing to her.
   • (used to express politeness when asking for something or for permission):
     Might I speak to you for a moment?
2. pt. of may¹:
   I asked if we might borrow their car.
3. (used with another phrase or clause to express the condition, purpose, or result of something):
   Let's agree on this so that (as a result) we might go home early. Difficult as it might be, we managed to do it.

Idioms

4. might as well. (used to express an opinion that there is no good reason for not doing the action of the main verb):
   I can't stay awake so I might as well go to bed.

might² /maɪt/   n. [uncountable]

1. physical strength:
   He swung with all his might.
2. superior strength;
   force:
   didn't believe that might makes right.
3. power to be effective:
   the might of the ballot box.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

might¹  (mīt),  auxiliary v.

1. pt. of may ¹.
2. (used to express possibility):
   They might be at the station.
3. (used to express advisability):
   You might at least thank me.
4. (used in polite requests for permission):
   Might I speak to you for a moment?

might²  (mīt), n. 

1. physical strength:
   He swung with all his might.
2. superior power or strength;
   force:
   the theory that might makes right.
3. power or ability to do or accomplish;
   capacity:
   the might of the ballot box.
4. Idioms with might and main, with all the vigor, force, or energy at one's command:
   They pulled with might and main.

• bef. 900; Middle English myghte, Old English miht, meaht; cognate with German macht, Gothic mahts; akin to may¹

might′less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1–3. See strength. 

Antonyms

• 1–3. weakness.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

might / maɪt/ verb

1. making the past tense or subjunctive mood of may1: he might have come last night
2. (often followed by well) expressing theoretical possibility: he might well come. In this sense might looks to the future and functions as a weak form of may
   

Etymology: Old English mihtUSAGE

might / maɪt/ noun

1. power, force, or vigour, esp of a great or supreme kind
2. physical strength
3. (with) might and main ⇒
   See main18

Etymology: Old English miht; compare Old High German maht, Dutch macht

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

may¹ /meɪ/   auxiliary (modal) v. [~ + root form of a verb] , pres. may;
 past might;
 imperative, infinitive, and participles lacking. 

1. • (used to express the possibility or the chances of the occurrence of the main verb):
     It may rain. You may have been right. He might have been here before us. Her weight may have gone down.
   • (used to express the willingness of the subject to receive or grant permission or have the opportunity):
     You may see the doctor now. May we have a word with you? If you fail three times, you may appeal to the academic department that offered the course.
2. (used with another phrase or clause to express that something else follows another idea, esp. in clauses that indicate the condition, purpose, or result of something):
   Let's agree on this so that (as a result) we may go home early. Difficult as it may seem, I know it can be done.
3. (used to express a wish or prayer appearing before its subject in an unusual word order):
   Long may you live! May the couple always be happy and healthy. May we yet see the light of day. Long may the banner wave.

Idioms

4. may as well. (used to express an opinion about a reason for doing or not doing the action of the main verb):
   I can't stay awake, so I may as well go to bed.

See can. Usage

See can¹.

May /meɪ/  n. [proper noun]

1. the fifth month of the year, containing 31 days.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

may¹  (mā), auxiliary v., pres. sing. 1st pers. may, 2nd may or (Archaic) may•est or mayst, 3rd may;
 pres. pl. may;
 past might. 

1. (used to express possibility):
   It may rain.
2. (used to express opportunity or permission):
   You may enter.
3. (used to express contingency, esp. in clauses indicating condition, concession, purpose, result, etc.):
   I may be wrong but I think you would be wise to go. Times may change but human nature stays the same.
4. (used to express wish or prayer):
   May you live to an old age.
5. [Archaic.] (used to express ability or power.) Cf. might¹.

• bef. 900; Middle English mai 1st and 3rd pers. singular present ind. of mouen, Old English mæg (infinitive magan); cognate with German mögen

Usage

See can¹. 

may²  (mā), n. [Archaic.]

1. a maiden.

• bef. 900; Middle English mai; Old English mæg

May  (mā), n. 

1. the fifth month of the year, containing 31 days.
2. the early part of one's life, esp. the prime:
   a young woman in her May.
3. the festivities of May Day.
4. British Terms (l.c.) the hawthorn.
5. a female given name.

v.i. 

6. (l.c.) to gather flowers in the spring:
   when we were maying.

• Latin, short for Maius mēnsis Maia's month
• Middle English, Old English Maius bef. 1050

May  (mā), n. 

1. Place Names Cape, a cape at the SE tip of New Jersey, on Delaware Bay.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

may / meɪ/ verb (might)
takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive used as an auxiliary:

1. to indicate that permission is requested by or granted to someone: he may go to the park tomorrow if he behaves himself
2. (often followed by well) to indicate possibility: the rope may break, she may well be a spy
3. to indicate ability or capacity, esp in questions: may I help you?
4. to express a strong wish: long may she reign
5. to indicate result or purpose: used only in clauses introduced by that or so that: he writes so that the average reader may understand
6. another word for might1
7. to express courtesy in a question: whose child may this little girl be?
8. be that as it may ⇒ in spite of that: a sentence connector conceding the possible truth of a previous statement and introducing an adversative clause: be that as it may, I still think you should come
9. come what may ⇒ whatever happens
10. that's as may be ⇒ (followed by a clause introduced by but) that may be so

Etymology: Old English mæg, from magan: compare Old High German mag, Old Norse mā

may / meɪ/ noun

1. an archaic word for maiden

Etymology: Old English mæg; related to Old High German māg kinsman, Old Norse māgr a relative by marriage

may / meɪ/ noun

1. Also: may tree
   a Brit name for hawthorn

Etymology: 16th Century: from the month of May, when it flowers