might
1 (mīt)
[Middle English, from Old English meaht, miht.]
noun
- The power, force, or influence held by a person or group.
- Physical strength.
- Strength or ability to do something. See synonyms at strength
might
2 (mīt)
[Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte first and third person sing. past tense of magan, to be able; see may1.]
aux.v.: Past tense of, may.
- Used to indicate a condition or state contrary to fact: She might help if she knew the truth.
- Used to indicate a possibility or probability that is weaker than may: We might discover a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Used to express possibility or probability or permission in the past: She told him yesterday he might not go on the trip.
- Used to express a higher degree of deference or politeness than may, ought, or should: Might I express my opinion?
may
1 (mā)
[Middle English, to be able, from Old English mæg first and third person sing. of magan, to be strong, be able.]
aux.v.: Past tense, might (mīt)
- To be allowed or permitted to: May I take a swim? Yes, you may.
- Used to indicate a certain measure of likelihood or possibility: It may rain this afternoon.
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish: Long may he live!
- Used to express contingency, purpose, or result in clauses introduced by that or so that : expressing ideas so that the average person may understand.
- To be obliged; must. Used in statutes, deeds, and other legal documents. See Usage Note at: can
