Haply

/ˈhæp.li/ adverb

Definition

Perhaps; possibly; by chance (an archaic or literary word meaning 'it may be that').

Etymology

From Old English 'hap' (chance, fortune) + '-ly' (adverbial suffix). Used in Middle English and Shakespeare's time to mean 'by chance or luck.'

Kelly Says

Shakespeare and other old writers used 'haply' all the time—it means 'maybe' or 'perhaps,' but it comes from the word 'hap' which means luck or fortune, so it literally means 'by chance!'

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