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Moderate

may

The correct spelling is may.

How to pronounce may

/meɪ/
verb

IPA: /meɪ/

Say it like: Maee

The correct spelling is may. To be strong; to have power (over). For example: "you may smoke outside;  may I sit there?"

Usage Examples

you may smoke outside;  may I sit there?

he may be lying;  Schrödinger's cat may or may not be in the box

may you win;  may the weather be sunny

Meanings

verb

  1. 1.To be strong; to have power (over).
  2. 2.(auxiliary) To be able; can.
  3. 3.To be able to go.
  4. 4.(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
  5. 5.(modal auxiliary verb, defective) Expressing a present possibility; possibly.

noun

  1. 1.The hawthorn bush or its blossoms.
  2. 2.A maiden.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples