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may [ may ] (past might [ mīt ], 3rd person present singular may) CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating that something could be true, or could have happened, or will possibly happen in the future
  I may not be able to meet you.
He may have been working too hard.
A verdict may be announced today. |
modal v |
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| Definition: |
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1. indicates possibility: indicates that something is possibly true
That may be the best way to do it.
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2. indicates that something could happen: indicates that something could have happened, or could happen in the future
The crash may well have been caused by faulty brakes.
The comet may be remembered best for its nonscientific impact.
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3. indicates permission: indicates that somebody is asking somebody for permission or giving somebody permission to do something
(
formal
)
"May I leave the table?" "No, you may not."
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4. indicates right: indicates that somebody has a legal or moral right to do something
You may withdraw money from this account at any time.
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5. indicates requests or suggestions: indicates polite requests, suggestions, or offers
May I remind you of our earlier agreement?
May I help you with that bag?
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6. indicates wish: indicates that somebody wishes for something very strongly
(
formal
)
May God bless us, every one.
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| [ Old English mæg, form of magan "be able" < Indo-European] |
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be that as it may indicates that somebody wants to go on to a new topic after conceding the possible truth of a previous statement
"He doesn't earn much money." "Be that as it may, he's been successful in what he set out to do."
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