Used to show that something may be true but is not certain. It is similar to saying “maybe” or “possibly.”
From Middle English phrase “per haps,” literally “by chance,” influenced by French and Latin “per” (by) + “haps” (chance, luck). Over time it fused into a single word.
‘Perhaps’ is a politeness tool as much as a probability word—it softens statements so they don’t sound too direct. Language builds in little cushions like this to keep conversations smoother and less confrontational.
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