May Definition

May
noun

1. The fifth month of the year, which follows April and comes before June, and has 31 days.

Etymology: 13c: from French Mai, from Latin Maius the month of Maia who in Roman mythology is the mother of Hermes.

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may¹
auxiliary verb might (past tense)

1. Used to express permission.

Example: You may go now
2. Used to express a possibility.

Example: I may come with you if I get this finished
Form: may well (sometimes)
3. Used to express an offer

Example: May I help you?
4. formal
Used to express a wish
Example: May you prosper!
5. formal & old use
Used to express purpose or result.
Example: Listen, so that you may learn
6. affected, old use or facetious
Used to express a question
Example: And who may you be?
7. Used to express the idea of ‘although'. See also might¹.

Example: You may be rich, but you're not happy

Idiom: be that as it may

In spite of that.

Idiom: come what may

Whatever happens.

Idiom: may I add

Used to introduce an additional point.

Idiom: may I ask

often ironic
Used before or after a question.

Idiom: That's as may be

That may be so.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon mæg, present tense of magan to be able.

Info:

See Usage Note at can.

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may²
noun mays

1. The blossom of the hawthorn tree. Also called mayflower.
2. Any variety of hawthorn tree. Also called may tree.

Etymology: 16c: from May, the month in which it usually blooms.