英语词汇“may”的英英意思、用法、释义、翻译、读音、例句、短语、词组-英语词典

language note: May is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb.

1. modal verb

You use may to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain.

[vagueness]

We may have some rain today.

Rates may rise, but it won't be by much and it won't be for long.

I may be back next year.

I don't know if they'll publish it or not. They may.

Scientists know that cancer may not show up for many years.

2. modal verb

You use may to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot becertain.

[vagueness]

Civil rights officials say there may be hundreds of other cases of racial violence.

Throwing good money after bad may not be a good idea, they say.

3. modal verb

You use may to indicate that something is sometimes true or is true in some circumstances.

A vegetarian diet may not provide enough calories for a child's normal growth.

Up to five inches of snow may cover the mountains.

...families that may have both parents working.

4. modal verb

You use may have with a past participle when suggesting that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something.

[vagueness]

He may have been to some of those places.

The chaos may have contributed to the deaths of up to 20 people.

Investigators say that a fuel explosion may have caused the crash.

The events may or may not have been connected.

5. modal verb

You use may in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important.

I may be almost 50, but there aren't a lot of things I've forgotten.

The elderly man may not be typical, but he speaks for a significant body of opinion.

Walking may be boring at times but on a sunny morning there is nothing finer.

6. modal verb

You use may when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something that people can make use of if they want to.

The bag has narrow straps, so it may be worn over the shoulder or carried in thehand.

Some of the diseases of middle age may be prevented by improving nutrition.

7. modal verb

You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something.

What is the nearest you may park to a junction?

Adolescents under the age of 18 may not work in jobs that require them to drive.

8. modal verb

You use may when you are giving permission to someone to do something, or when asking for permission.

[formal]

Mr Hobbs? May we come in?

If you wish, you may now have a glass of milk.

'You may leave.'—'Yes, sir.'

9. modal verb

You use may when you are making polite requests.

[formal, politeness]

I'd like the use of your living room, if I may.

May I come with you to Southampton?

Ah, Julia, my dear, here is our guest. May we have some tea?

10. modal verb

You use may, usually in questions, when you are politely making suggestions or offering to do something.

[formal, politeness]

May we suggest you try one of our guest houses.

May we recommend a weekend in Stockholm?

Do sit down. And may we offer you something to drink?

May I help you?

11. modal verb

You use may as a polite way of interrupting someone, asking a question, or introducing what you are going to say next.

[formal, spoken, politeness]

'If I may interrupt for a moment,' Kenneth said.

Anyway, may I just ask you one other thing?

If I may return to what we were talking about earlier.

12. modal verb

You use may when you are mentioning the reaction or attitude that you think someone is likely to have to something you are about to say.

You know, Brian, whatever you may think, I work hard for a living.

You may consider it useless, but for our customers it's an all-important sign ofgood service.

13. modal verb

You use may in expressions such as I may add and I may say in order to emphasize a statement that you are making.

[emphasis]

They spent their afternoons playing golf–extremely badly, I may add–around Loch Lomond.

Both of them, I may say, are thoroughly reliable men.

14. modal verb

If you do something so that a particular thing may happen, you do it so that there is an opportunity for that thing to happen.

...the need for more surgeons so that patients may be treated more quickly.

The door is shut so that no one may overhear what is said.

15. modal verb

People sometimes use may to express hopes and wishes.

[formal]

Courage seems now to have deserted him. May it quickly reappear.

16. be that as it may

17. may as well

May

(meɪ)

Word forms: plural Mays

variable noun

May is the fifth month of the year in the Western calendar.

University examinations are held in May.

They got married on 18 May.

The report was published last May.

verbWord forms: past tense might (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive used as an auxiliary)

to indicate that permission is requested by or granted to someone

he may go to the park tomorrow if he behaves himself

2. (often foll by well)

to indicate possibility

the rope may break

she may well be a spy

to indicate ability or capacity, esp in questions

may I help you?

to express a strong wish

long may she reign

to indicate result or purpose: used only in clauses introduced by that or so that

he writes so that the average reader may understand

6. another word for might1

to express courtesy in a question

whose child may this little girl be?

8. be that as it may

9. come what may

10. that's as may be

▶ USAGE It was formerly considered correct to use may rather than can when referring to permission as in: you may use the laboratory for your experiments, but this use of may is now almost entirely restricted to polite questions such as: may I open the window? The use of may with if in constructions such as: your analysis may have been more credible if … is generally regarded as incorrect, might being preferred: your analysis might have been more credible if …

Word origin

Old English mæg, from magan: compare Old High German mag, Old Norse mā

noun

an archaic word for maiden

Word origin

Old English mæg; related to Old High German māg kinsman, Old Norse māgr a relative by marriage

noun

1. Also: may tree. a Brit name for hawthorn

2. short for may blossom

Word origin

C16: from the month of May, when it flowers

noun

the fifth month of the year, consisting of 31 days

Word origin

from Old French, from Latin Maius, probably from Maia, Roman goddess, identified with the Greek goddess Maia

noun

Robert McCredie, Baron. born 1936, Australian biologist and ecologist

Theresa (Mary). born 1956, British politician; home secretary (2010–16); leader of the Conservative party and prime minister (2016–19)

noun

the fifth month of the year, having 31 days

abbrev. M or My

springtime

the springtime of life; youth; prime

3. [m-]

the English hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) with small, lobed leaves and white, pink, or red flowers

its branches or flowers

the festivities of May Day

Word origin

OFr mai < L (mensis) Maius, (month) of Maius: see Maia

noun

a feminine name

Word origin

contr. of Mary1, Margaret, often assoc. with the name of the month

Capepeninsula at the southernmost point of N.J.: c. 20 mi (32 km) long

Word origin

after C. J. Mey, 17th-c. Du explorer

auxiliary verbWord forms: might

used to express ability or power

now generally replaced by can1

used to express possibility or likelihood

it may rain

used to express permission

you may go

单词	may
释义	Trends of may View usage for: may (meɪ) language note: May is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. 1. modal verb You use may to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain. [vagueness] We may have some rain today. Rates may rise, but it won't be by much and it won't be for long. I may be back next year. I don't know if they'll publish it or not. They may. Scientists know that cancer may not show up for many years. 2. modal verb You use may to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot becertain. [vagueness] Civil rights officials say there may be hundreds of other cases of racial violence. Throwing good money after bad may not be a good idea, they say. 3. modal verb You use may to indicate that something is sometimes true or is true in some circumstances. A vegetarian diet may not provide enough calories for a child's normal growth. Up to five inches of snow may cover the mountains. ...families that may have both parents working. 4. modal verb You use may have with a past participle when suggesting that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something. [vagueness] He may have been to some of those places. The chaos may have contributed to the deaths of up to 20 people. Investigators say that a fuel explosion may have caused the crash. The events may or may not have been connected. 5. modal verb You use may in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important. I may be almost 50, but there aren't a lot of things I've forgotten. The elderly man may not be typical, but he speaks for a significant body of opinion. Walking may be boring at times but on a sunny morning there is nothing finer. 6. modal verb You use may when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something that people can make use of if they want to. The bag has narrow straps, so it may be worn over the shoulder or carried in thehand. Some of the diseases of middle age may be prevented by improving nutrition. 7. modal verb You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. What is the nearest you may park to a junction? Adolescents under the age of 18 may not work in jobs that require them to drive. 8. modal verb You use may when you are giving permission to someone to do something, or when asking for permission. [formal] Mr Hobbs? May we come in? If you wish, you may now have a glass of milk. 'You may leave.'—'Yes, sir.' 9. modal verb You use may when you are making polite requests. [formal, politeness] I'd like the use of your living room, if I may. May I come with you to Southampton? Ah, Julia, my dear, here is our guest. May we have some tea? 10. modal verb You use may, usually in questions, when you are politely making suggestions or offering to do something. [formal, politeness] May we suggest you try one of our guest houses. May we recommend a weekend in Stockholm? Do sit down. And may we offer you something to drink? May I help you? 11. modal verb You use may as a polite way of interrupting someone, asking a question, or introducing what you are going to say next. [formal, spoken, politeness] 'If I may interrupt for a moment,' Kenneth said. Anyway, may I just ask you one other thing? If I may return to what we were talking about earlier. 12. modal verb You use may when you are mentioning the reaction or attitude that you think someone is likely to have to something you are about to say. You know, Brian, whatever you may think, I work hard for a living. You may consider it useless, but for our customers it's an all-important sign ofgood service. 13. modal verb You use may in expressions such as I may add and I may say in order to emphasize a statement that you are making. [emphasis] They spent their afternoons playing golf–extremely badly, I may add–around Loch Lomond. Both of them, I may say, are thoroughly reliable men. 14. modal verb If you do something so that a particular thing may happen, you do it so that there is an opportunity for that thing to happen. ...the need for more surgeons so that patients may be treated more quickly. The door is shut so that no one may overhear what is said. 15. modal verb People sometimes use may to express hopes and wishes. [formal] Courage seems now to have deserted him. May it quickly reappear. 16. be that as it may 17. may as well English Easy Learning GrammarMay and mightBoth may and might can be used in requests and in expressions of possibility for thepresent and future. Might I ask you your name? The weather may/might ... Read more English Easy Learning GrammarAuxiliary verbsAn auxiliary verb is a verb that is used together with a main verb to show time andcontinuity. Be and have are the primary auxiliaries. A primary auxiliary ... Read more English Easy Learning GrammarConditional clausesConditional sentences consist of a main clause and a conditional clause (sometimescalled an if-clause). The conditional clause usually begins with if ... Read more May (meɪ) Word forms: plural Mays variable noun May is the fifth month of the year in the Western calendar. University examinations are held in May. They got married on 18 May. The report was published last May. may in British English 1 (meɪ) verbWord forms: past tense might (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive used as an auxiliary) 1. to indicate that permission is requested by or granted to someone he may go to the park tomorrow if he behaves himself 2. (often foll by well) to indicate possibility the rope may break she may well be a spy 3. to indicate ability or capacity, esp in questions may I help you? 4. to express a strong wish long may she reign 5. to indicate result or purpose: used only in clauses introduced by that or so that he writes so that the average reader may understand 6. another word for might1 7. to express courtesy in a question whose child may this little girl be? 8. be that as it may 9. come what may 10. that's as may be ▶ USAGE It was formerly considered correct to use may rather than can when referring to permission as in: you may use the laboratory for your experiments, but this use of may is now almost entirely restricted to polite questions such as: may I open the window? The use of may with if in constructions such as: your analysis may have been more credible if … is generally regarded as incorrect, might being preferred: your analysis might have been more credible if … Word origin Old English mæg, from magan: compare Old High German mag, Old Norse mā may in British English 2 (meɪ) noun an archaic word for maiden Word origin Old English mæg; related to Old High German māg kinsman, Old Norse māgr a relative by marriage may in British English 3 (meɪ) noun 1. Also: may tree. a Brit name for hawthorn 2. short for may blossom Word origin C16: from the month of May, when it flowers May in British English 1 (meɪ) noun the fifth month of the year, consisting of 31 days Word origin from Old French, from Latin Maius, probably from Maia, Roman goddess, identified with the Greek goddess Maia May in British English 2 (meɪ) noun 1. Robert McCredie, Baron. born 1936, Australian biologist and ecologist 2. Theresa (Mary). born 1956, British politician; home secretary (2010–16); leader of the Conservative party and prime minister (2016–19) May in American English 1 (meɪ) noun 1. the fifth month of the year, having 31 days abbrev. M or My 2. a. springtime b. the springtime of life; youth; prime 3. [m-] a. the English hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) with small, lobed leaves and white, pink, or red flowers b. its branches or flowers 4. the festivities of May Day Word origin OFr mai < L (mensis) Maius, (month) of Maius: see Maia May in American English 2 (meɪ) noun a feminine name Word origin contr. of Mary1, Margaret, often assoc. with the name of the month May in American English 3 (meɪ) Capepeninsula at the southernmost point of N.J.: c. 20 mi (32 km) long Word origin after C. J. Mey, 17th-c. Du explorer may in American English 1 (meɪ) auxiliary verbWord forms: might 1. used to express ability or power now generally replaced by can1 2. used to express possibility or likelihood it may rain 3. used to express permission you may go see also can1 4. used to express contingency, as in clauses of purpose, result, concession, or condition they died that we may be free 5. used in exclamations and apostrophes to express a wish, hope, or prayer may he rest in peace 6. Law shall; must verb intransitive 7. used to express possibility or likelihood 8. used to express permission yes, you may Word origin ME < OE mæg, akin to Ger mag, OHG & Goth magan, lit., to be physically capable of doing < IE base māgh-, to be able > might1 may in American English 2 (meɪ) noun Archaic a maiden Word origin ME < OE mæg, kinswoman, woman (? merged with ON mær, maiden) Examples of 'may' in a sentence may You may have to use tough love and stop or limit her seeing these new friends. The Sun (2016) This may help to explain our result. Times, Sunday Times (2016) That may have been true when most jobs were boring and tiring. Times, Sunday Times (2017) Shoppers may also face long queues at collection points. The Sun (2016) The results may not be a surprise. Times, Sunday Times (2017) You may use it to provide information to your employee. Christianity Today (2000) The same may well be true this time. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Yet one may wager that some new answers may not be long in coming. The Times Literary Supplement (2013) This unlikely couple may have something in common. The Sun (2008) You may want to go for a gentle run to loosen the muscles and calm the nerves. The Sun (2013) Such an increase may come from either or both of two sources. A Conceptual View of Human Resource Management: Strategic Objectives, Environments,Functions The resulting welfare obligations may put an intolerable strain on future generations. Times, Sunday Times (2012) But we may use its origins as a reason to hang on to it. Atkinson, Jacqueline M Coping with Stress at Work (1988) He may help us to buy the car. Times, Sunday Times (2008) That may or may not be true. Times, Sunday Times (2014) Only one application method may be used. The Sun (2015) You may say it's a coup. Times, Sunday Times (2009) Music teachers may say one thing; the school in general may say another. Evans, Andrew The Secrets of Musical Confidence (1994) Word lists with may Gregorian calendar In other languages may British English: may /meɪ/ VERB possibly* If you may do something, it is possible that you will do it. I may come back next year. American English: may Arabic: مِنَ الـمُحْتَمَل Brazilian Portuguese: talvez Chinese: 可能做 Croatian: moći Czech: možná Danish: måske Dutch: kunnen European Spanish: poder Finnish: saattaa French: pouvoir German: können Greek: μπορώ Italian: potere Japanese: かもしれない Korean: ~일지도 모른다 Norwegian: muligens Polish: móc European Portuguese: poder Romanian: a avea voie Russian: иметь возможность Latin American Spanish: poderposibilidad Swedish: kanske Thai: อาจจะ Turkish: muktedir olmak Ukrainian: могти Vietnamese: có thể British English: may /meɪ/ VERB be allowed to If you may do something, you can do it because someone allows you to do it. Please may I leave the room? American English: may Arabic: تَسْمَحُ لِ...بِ Brazilian Portuguese: poder Chinese: 可以做 Croatian: smjeti Czech: smět Danish: må Dutch: mogen European Spanish: poder Finnish: saada French: avoir le droit de German: dürfen Greek: επιτρέπω Italian: potere Japanese: ･･･してもよい Korean: ~해도 되다 Norwegian: kunne Polish: móc European Portuguese: poder Romanian: a se îngădui Russian: получить разрешение Latin American Spanish: poderpermitir Swedish: få Thai: สามารถจะ (ใช้ขออนุญาต) Turkish: izin istemek Ukrainian: могти Vietnamese: có thể British English: May /meɪ/ NOUN May is the fifth month of the year in the Western calendar. I went on holiday in May with my friends. American English: May Arabic: مَايُو Brazilian Portuguese: maio Chinese: 五月 Croatian: svibanj Czech: květen Danish: maj Dutch: mei European Spanish: mayo Finnish: toukokuu French: mai German: Mai Greek: Μάιος Italian: maggio Japanese: 五月 Korean: 5월 Norwegian: mai Polish: maj European Portuguese: maio Romanian: mai Russian: май Latin American Spanish: mayo Swedish: maj Thai: เดือนพฤษภาคม Turkish: Mayıs Ukrainian: травень Vietnamese: tháng Năm Chinese translation of 'may' may (meɪ) aux vb (possibility) it may rain later 等会(會)儿(兒)可能要下雨 (děnghuìr kěnéng yào xiàyǔ) we may not be able to come 我们(們)可能来(來)不了 (wǒmen kěnéng lái bù liǎo) he may be out 他可能出去了 (tā kěnéng chūqù le) he may have hurt himself 他可能伤(傷)了自己 (tā kěnéng shāngle zìjǐ) the coat may be worn with or without the hood 外套可以连(連)帽穿也可以不连(連)帽穿 (wàitào kěyǐ liánmào chuān yě kěyǐ bù liánmào chuān) (permission) may I come in? 我可以进(進)来(來)吗(嗎)？ (wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?) may I offer you a glass of wine? 给(給)你来(來)一杯酒好吗(嗎)？ (Gěi nǐ lái yī bēi jiǔ hǎo ma?) you may go now 你现(現)在可以走了 (nǐ xiànzài kěyǐ zōu le) (conceding) I may be old, but I'm not stupid 我也许(許)是老了，但绝(絕)不愚蠢 (wǒ yěxǔ shì lǎo le, dàn jué bù yúchǔn) (expressing wishes) 祝愿(願) (zhùyuàn) may you be very happy together! 祝愿(願)你们(們)百年好合！ (zhùyuàn nǐmen bǎinián hǎohé!) (in expressions) you may as well go 你不妨也去 (nǐ bùfáng yě qù) come what may 无(無)论(論)发(發)生什么(麼)事 (wúlùn fāshēng shénme shì) May (meɪ) n (c/u) 五月 (wǔyuè) see also July All related terms of 'may' May Day 五一节(節) Wǔyī Jié in 1988/May 在1988年/5月 zài yī jiǔ bā bā nián/wǔ yuè in late May 5月下旬 wǔyuè xiàxún come what may 无(無)论(論)发(發)生什么(麼)事 wúlùn fāshēng shénme shì he may be out 他可能出去了 tā kěnéng chūqù le may I come in? 我可以进(進)来(來)吗(嗎)？ wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma? you may go now 你现(現)在可以走了 nǐ xiànzài kěyǐ zōu le be that as it may 即使如此 jíshǐ rúcǐ it may rain later 等会(會)儿(兒)可能要下雨 děnghuìr kěnéng yào xiàyǔ you may as well go 你不妨也去 nǐ bùfáng yě qù from May to September 从(從)5月到9月 cóng wǔyuè dào jiǔyuè if I may be so bold 恕我冒昧 shù wǒ màomèi it may freeze tonight 今晚可能会(會)结(結)冰 jīnwǎn kěnéng huì jiébīng "to whom it may concern" "致有关(關)人士" "zhì yǒuguān rénshì" he may have hurt himself 他可能伤(傷)了自己 tā kěnéng shāngle zìjǐ "War may break out," he warned "战(戰)争(爭)可能会(會)爆发(發)，"他警告道 "zhànzhēng kěnéng huì bàofā, " tā jǐnggào dào may you be very happy together! 祝愿(願)你们(們)百年好合！ zhùyuàn nǐmen bǎinián hǎohé! we may not be able to come 我们(們)可能来(來)不了 wǒmen kěnéng lái bù liǎo you may or could well be right 你很可能是对(對)的 nǐ hěn kěnéng shì duì de I may be old, but I'm not stupid 我也许(許)是老了，但绝(絕)不愚蠢 wǒ yěxǔ shì lǎo le, dàn jué bù yúchǔn may I offer you a glass of wine? 给(給)你来(來)一杯酒好吗(嗎)？ Gěi nǐ lái yī bēi jiǔ hǎo ma? prices may be subject to alteration 价(價)格可能会(會)有变(變)动(動) jiàgé kěnéng huì yǒu biàndòng you might or may as well tell me 你还(還)是告诉(訴)我吧 nǐ háishì gàosù wǒ ba however much you may try to forget ... 无(無)论(論)你怎么(麼)竭力想忘掉都 ... wúlùn nǐ zěnme jiélì xiǎng wàngdiào dōu ... he may not be very bright, but he is hard-working 他可能不是很聪(聰)明，但很努力 tā kěnéng bù shì hěn cōngmíng, dàn hěn nǔlì the coat may be worn with or without the hood 外套可以连(連)帽穿也可以不连(連)帽穿 wàitào kěyǐ liánmào chuān yě kěyǐ bù liánmào chuān may I introduce you (to ... )? 让(讓)我介绍(紹)你(认(認)识(識) ... )好吗(嗎)？ ràng wǒ jièshaò nǐ (rènshi ... ) hǎo ma? it may be necessary (for us) to buy a new cooker (我们(們))可能应(應)该(該)买(買)一个(個)新的炊具 (wǒmen) kěnéng yīnggāi mǎi yī gè xīn de chuījù
随便看	campaign trail campaign worker campana campanella campanero campania campaniform campanile campanist campanologer campanological campanologist campanology campanula campanulaceous campanular campanulate campari camp bastion camp bed camp-bed campbell campbell-bannerman campbell-stokes recorder camp chair

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may

aux vb

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