Meaning of may in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

verb

• To be strong; to have power (over).

• (auxiliary) To be able; can.

• 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.

  Example: you may smoke outside;  may I sit there?

• (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Expressing a present possibility; possibly.

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

• (subjunctive present, defective) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).

  Example: may you win;  may the weather be sunny

• Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.

noun

• The hawthorn bush or its blossoms.

verb

• To gather may, or flowers in general.

• To celebrate May Day.

noun

• A maiden.