maybe

People use maybe to mean `sometimes', particularly in a series of general statements about what someone does, or about something that regularly happens. They'll come to the bar for a year, or maybe even two, then they'll find another favourite spot

politeness You use maybe when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Maybe is also used to introduce polite requests. Maybe we can go to the movies or something Wait a while, maybe a few days. = perhaps

You use maybe to indicate that, although a comment is partly true, there is also another point of view that should be considered. Maybe there is jealousy, but I think the envy is more powerful = perhaps

vagueness You use maybe to express uncertainty, for example when you do not know that something is definitely true, or when you are mentioning something that may possibly happen in the future in the way you describe. Maybe she is in love I do think about having children, maybe when I'm 40 = perhaps

Possibility; uncertainty

Possible; probable, but not sure

perhaps (adverb), as in: Maybe we can get a toy for you tomorrow

You can say maybe as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or disagree. `Is she coming back?' --- `Maybe. No one hears from her.' = perhaps

Something that may be true

vagueness You use maybe when you are making a rough guess at a number, quantity, or value, rather than stating it exactly. The men were maybe a hundred feet away and coming closer. = about

perhaps

Perhaps the only one here who needs to do that is Tom. - Maybe the only one here who needs to do that is Tom.

Perhaps the only one here who can do that is Tom. - Maybe the only one here who can do that is Tom.

by chance; "perhaps she will call tomorrow"; "we may possibly run into them at the concert"; "it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time"

possibly, perhaps

Perhaps; possibly; peradventure

mebbe

maybe then