May

Quick meaning: May is a verb meaning (intransitive, poetic) To be able to go.

Meaning

(intransitive, poetic) To be able to go.

More Meanings

1. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
2. (subjunctive present, defective, chiefly poetic) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).
3. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.
4. The hawthorn bush or its blossoms.
5. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) Granting the admissibility of a supposition, in a way that can be semantically either subjunctive or indicative.
6. (obsolete, intransitive) To be strong; to have power (over).
7. (obsolete, auxiliary) To be able; can.

Example Sentences

may I sit there?

you may smoke outside

May I never miss the thrill of being near you

may you win; may the weather be sunny; long may your reign last

Word Forms

• maye
• mays
• maying
• mayed

Synonyms for may

Depending on context, synonyms include can, could, might, get, whitethorn.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include get, can, whitethorn, please, opportunity, able.

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