You use perhaps 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.
[vagueness]
Millson regarded her thoughtfully. Perhaps she was right.
In the end they lose millions, perhaps billions.
He does not paint for very long, perhaps for two and a half hours at a time.
It was bulky, perhaps three feet long and almost as high.
Perhaps, in time, the message will get through.
They'd come soon, perhaps when the radio broadcast was over.
2. adverb
You use perhaps in opinions and remarks to make them appear less definite or more polite.
[vagueness]
Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that you simply cannot pleaseeveryone.
His very last paintings are perhaps the most puzzling.
The lesson from all of this is perhaps a broader one.
Do you perhaps disapprove of Agatha Christie and her Poirot and Miss Marple?
He was not perhaps physically the strongest in the class.
3. adverb
You use perhaps when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Perhaps is also used in formal English to introduce requests.
[politeness]
Perhaps I may be permitted a few suggestions.
Well, perhaps you'll come and see us at our place?
Perhaps if you rang me when you got back to your office?
4. adverb
You can say perhaps as a response to a question or remark, when you do not want to agree or accept, but think that it would be rude to disagree or refuse.
'You know it doesn't make sense for you.'—'Perhaps. I don't know.'
'I'm sure we can make it,' he says. Perhaps, but it will not be easy.
More Synonyms of perhaps
perhaps in British English
(pəˈhæps, informal præps)
adverb
1.
a.
possibly; maybe
b.
(as sentence modifier)
she'll arrive tomorrow, perhaps
perhaps you'll see them tomorrow
sentence substitute
2.
it may happen, be so, etc; maybe
Word origin
C16 perhappes, from per by + happes chance, hap1
perhaps in American English
(pərˈhæps)
adverb
possibly; maybe
Word origin
per1 + haps, pl. of hap1
Examples of 'perhaps' in a sentence
perhaps
This is perhaps one of the most serious points.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Perhaps you can see where this is heading.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Some of his underlying statistics perhaps help to explain why.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Perhaps that is something to look forward to.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Perhaps it is time to schedule another spa day.
The Sun (2016)
Perhaps the only certainty is that the lawyers representing each side will make a fortune sorting out the inevitable dispute.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Perhaps you are thinking that partner has asked for a club and so that is the suit you should switch to.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We will know perhaps one day.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Though perhaps unaware, they are in agony.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's a tough challenge in the face of so much despair but may perhaps be enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Perhaps it is good news for the department.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You may perhaps consider two important questions.
Siann, Gerda & Ugwuegbu, Denis C. E. Educational Psychology in a Changing World (1988)
We are all going to retire or perhaps make a move to another role.
Christianity Today (2000)
He was perhaps the only one to see it.
Zindell, David The Broken God (1993)
The work can perhaps be seen as a secular oratorio.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
These scholars make no attempt to explain religion and perhaps to explain it away.
Greeley, Andrew M. Sociology and Religion: A Collection of Readings (1995)
Perhaps this is something over which compromise is not possible?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
These were perhaps the worst times of all.
Wilkinson, Steve M.E. and You - a self-help plan (1988)
You are stronger than you perhaps yet know.
Ingham, Christine Life Without Work (1994)
Perhaps a good reply would be this.
Salkie, Raphael The Chomsky Update - Linguistics and Politics (1990)
Though this may perhaps be thought to set the bar a little low.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is a gloss upon this rhyme that makes it perhaps a little clearer.
Travers, P L What the Bee Knows - reflections on myth, symbol and story (1989)
But perhaps one can party not wisely but too well.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Perhaps we will see the end of the life we know.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
That perhaps explains much of what is about to unfold.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Perhaps there was something properly wrong with me.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
So perhaps the time is not yet ripe for the argument to be made.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Perhaps it was best not to know.
J.M. Barrie Peter Pan (1911)
Though perhaps not that bit about Cliff.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Less than one might think, perhaps.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This is relatively high for any housebuilder, though perhaps not at this stage in the cycle.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Perhaps not vintage, but very good.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There will be a happy ending, though perhaps not quite in the way that you would expect.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Rather than make it about the wealth share, perhaps think about sharing sentimental pieces that are meaningful for you to keep.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
perhaps
British English: perhaps /pəˈhæps; præps/ ADVERB
You use perhaps when you are not sure about something.