might definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

might [ mīt ] CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating the possibility that something is true or will happen in the future

She said that John might be living abroad now.

The meeting might be as early as next week.

modal v

Definition:

1. giving advice: used as a polite way of making suggestions and giving advice

I thought we might go out tonight.

You might want to give him a call first.

2. expressing obligation: used to indicate that somebody ought to do something, often to show annoyance that it has not been done

You might at least have told me!

[ Old English mihte, meahte, the past tense of magan (see may¹)]

Spelling Note


	might or mite? Do not confuse the spelling of might and mite, which sound similar. Might is a verb meaning "will possibly" or "ought to": It might rain. You might have warned me! It is also noun meaning "power" or "strength": the might of a multinational organization; with might and main. Mite is a noun only, referring to a tiny eight-legged animal, a little child, or a small amount, as in a spider mite, give the poor mite a drink, or feeling a mite jealous.