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.
[vagueness]
Maybe she is in love.
Maybe he sincerely wanted to help his country.
I do think about having children, maybe when I'm 40.
Things are maybe not as good as they should be.
Bill will come on then maybe Ralph, then Bobby and Johnny doing their hits.
Synonyms: perhaps, possibly, it could be, conceivably More Synonyms of maybe
2. adverb
You use maybe when you are making suggestions or giving advice. Maybe is also used to introduce polite requests.
[politeness]
Maybe we can go to the movies or something.
Maybe you'd better tell me what this is all about.
Maybe you shouldn't eat in that restaurant anymore.
Maybe if you tell me a little about her?
Wait a while, maybe a few days.
3. adverb
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.
OK, maybe I am a failure, but, in my opinion, no more than the rest of this country.
4. adverb
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.'
'People will like you the way you are.'—'Maybe.'
5. adverb
You use maybe when you are making a rough guess at a number, quantity, or value, rather than stating it exactly.
[vagueness]
The men were maybe a hundred feet away and coming closer.
6. adverb
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.
maybe in British English
(ˈmeɪˌbiː)
adverb
1.
a.
perhaps
b.
(as sentence modifier)
maybe I'll come tomorrow
sentence substitute
2.
possibly; neither yes nor no
maybe in American English
(ˈmeɪbi)
adverb
perhaps
Word origin
ME (for it may be)
Examples of 'maybe' in a sentence
maybe
If he enjoys a good season maybe he will stay.
The Sun (2016)
Maybe you have the beginnings of something meaningful.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Maybe in series three the chief goes rogue!
The Sun (2016)
They will guess maybe one or two coins.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We think maybe you should come back.
The Sun (2016)
So in some moments you can maybe think this way.
The Sun (2017)
You have to trust people that you maybe don't know.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is not true... but maybe soon.
The Sun (2016)
I used to write maybe eight songs a day.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Maybe Arsenal thought another would come but they should have known that City could not afford a second half like the first.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
So maybe he will use a knife.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is maybe a good thing we had this early in the season.
The Sun (2011)
Or maybe it has something to do with losing my mom.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We knew about the atmosphere and that they would play maybe with almost three strikers.
The Sun (2006)
Maybe one day we will get lucky.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But then maybe he knows that already.
The Sun (2007)
Maybe another cup of coffee while watching the waves lap the shore.
The Sun (2016)
Maybe neither of them is the one you should settle down with.
The Sun (2014)
But it is true that maybe it makes people feel less like they know you.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Maybe we should use this primal urge to sort out international conflicts.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Maybe it had something to do with the pressure.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Maybe not that one but you get my drift.
The Sun (2014)
If they come into the team and play well for the three games then maybe they will keep their place.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The answers are yes and maybe.
The Sun (2009)
We can maybe cause another upset.
The Sun (2011)
Maybe neither is right for you.
The Sun (2012)
Maybe you think it's best this way.
The Sun (2015)
It's maybe a good thing that the fear of failure is upon us.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Who knows - maybe a modelling career beckons!
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
maybe
British English: maybe /ˈmeɪˌbiː/ ADVERB
You use maybe when you are not sure about something.