may

IPA: mˈeɪ

noun

  • The hawthorn bush or its blossoms.
  • (archaic) A maiden.
  • The fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, following April and preceding June.
  • A female given name, usually pet name for Mary and Margaret, reinforced by the month and plant meaning.
  • A surname from Middle English.
  • A number of places in the United States:
  • A former settlement in Amador County, California.
  • An unincorporated community in Lemhi County, Idaho.
  • An unincorporated community in McDonald County, Missouri.
  • A small town in Harper County, Oklahoma.
  • An unincorporated community in Brown County, Texas.
  • An unincorporated community in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
  • A number of townships in the United States, listed under May Township.
  • A surname.

verb

  • (obsolete, intransitive) To be strong; to have power (over).
  • (obsolete, auxiliary) To be able; can.
  • (intransitive, poetic) To be able to go.
  • (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
  • (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Expressing a present possibility; possibly.
  • (subjunctive present, defective) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).
  • Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.
  • (poetic, intransitive) To gather may, or flowers in general.
  • (poetic, intransitive) To celebrate May Day.
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Examples of "may" in Sentences

  • -- The Potential Subjunctive may designate _a mere possibility_ (English auxiliary _may_).
  • I think WoW's a hot virus -- it'll burn fast and two years from now WoW may be a ghost town *may* be
  • I think WoW's a hot virus -- it'll burn fast and two years from now WoW may be a ghost town *may* be.
  • Of course it may be intended as compliment-terry; it _may_ mean "always entertaining and ever reddy."
  • While it may provide some immediate easing of the pain and that's a big *may* this is only delaying the inevitable.
  • I get a letter to say that the Rifle Brigade may leave for France at any time, and that Donald _may_ get some "leave" on Saturday or
  • By the by, Mary, you may just mention to your mistress that I _may_ perhaps be detained rather later than usual to-day, and she is not to wait dinner for me. '
  • Citizens who grew up East of the Tower of London may only *may* - not necessarily have an East End accent, regardless of whether they live north or south of the River Thames.
  • Compounds of more than two words may be analyzed thus: +May have been written+ is composed of the compound auxiliary +may have been+ and the participle +written; may have been+ is composed of the compound auxiliary
  • Unless there are any other myths I can dispel, lemme sign off with the reminder that while the feds and/or the state may *may* end up kicking in a share via the enterprise or empowerment zones, the beneficiaries of this deal will not only be these poverty-wage workers, but all of Los Angeles, as lowered poverty brings lowered crime, safer communities, stronger families, less drug use, fewer public health expenditures and more effective schools.

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