may
Translation
may
Examples
It may rain later today.
It may rain later today.
May I ask a question?
May I ask a question?
You may begin the exam now.
You may begin the exam now.
Grammar Patterns
may ((verb)) to express possibility He may be late for the meeting.
May I ((verb))? to ask for permission politely May I use your phone?
Similar Words
Synonyms: might, could (possibility); can (permission); Antonyms: cannot, must not
Etymology
From Old English 'mæg', from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to be able'.
Memory Tips
'May I?' is a polite way to ask for permission. 'It may happen' expresses a possibility.