Skip to Content

Mayhap Vs. Perhaps: How Are These Words Connected?

Mayhap Vs. Perhaps: How Are These Words Connected?

It’s probably the first time you’re encountering the word mayhap. A quick Google search shows that mayhap and perhaps are close words, differentiated by the age they came in.

Both mayhap and perhaps are correct terms with connection in meaning and usage. Mayhap is an adverb that means perhaps or possibly. On the other hand, perhaps means maybe, possibly, or uncertainty. The difference is that mayhap is not prevalent currently.

This post will detail the definitions of mayhap and the best way to use these words in sentences. We’ll also let you know the connection between these terms and couple it up with many example sentences to make everything easy to learn.

yes no perhaps sign

Definitions Of Mayhap And Perhaps

Things change with time, and so does the language that people prefer. That means you should always be abreast of what words people love hearing about so that you don’t use words that some need help understanding. Having said that, let’s look at the definitions of mayhap and perhaps.

Definitions Of Mayhap

Mayhap is an archaic English adverb that means maybe or possibly but without certainty. Another close meaning of the word is “perhaps.”

Note that an archaic word doesn’t mean it is no longer correct. It’s just that people have found alternative words to use and forgotten about the previous word.

An interesting fact is that Mayhap is more common in British than in American English. It’s because of the historical, social, and political contexts that this word applies.

Definitions Of Perhaps

The most straightforward meaning of perhaps is maybe, possibly, or uncertainty.

It also applies when you don’t want to be too exact or defined on an issue, statement, or number. That means you are doubting something and don’t want to give an exact position.

 An example sentence is, “There were perhaps eight police officers at the scene.” The sentence shows that eight is a guessed number.

Another meaning of this word is “to make a suggestion, offer, or request.” In a sentence, “Perhaps, I would love to request you for dinner tonight.”

“Perhaps” is the best word when you want to sound polite, especially in contexts where truth pains those affected. Here’s an example sentence: Perhaps, the biochemistry lecturer should resign.

The statement above shows perhaps usage in polite contexts. But again, the word also applies when you don’t share similar opinions or disagree with a statement or action. An example sentence is, “At this time, you won’t find the restaurant open. Yes, perhaps.”

How To Properly Use Mayhap And Perhaps In A Sentence

Even with a basic understanding of these two terms, it’s possible to use them wrongly in sentences. Make sure you master the definitions and the sections below. From this, everything will flow smoothly.

Let’s help you with everything you need to know about using the words mayhap and perhaps.

How And When To Use The Word Mayhap

Mayhap is an adverb. It’s categorized as an adverb of possibility. Use the word to showcase how likely a situation is.

Mayhap is not a word you’ll hear most people use. The majority avoids it in regular conversations because they have no idea about it or already know it’s archaic. Again, even when you are conversant with the words mayhap and perhaps, you’re like to use perhaps because it sounds more practical and easier to pass the message across.

Should I use the word mayhap in formal or informal settings?

People use this word in informal contexts to mean maybe. Not that it can’t apply in formal settings, but the reception may not be as you expect. We won’t encourage embracing this word in formal contexts because you might confuse your audience.

How And When To Use The Word Perhaps

Perhaps applies as both a noun and an adverb. Nouns represent something, while adverbs modify a particular verb or show possibilities.

Note that perhaps will come up perfectly as a modifier and an ordinary verb. An example sentence as an ordinary verb is, “Moses was perhaps 90.”

In either part of speech, perhaps is the most acceptable term compared to mayhap. It’s the term you should start using in your sentences, provided the context allows. You’ll also notice that in your English classes, most tutors prefer focusing on the word perhaps.

As a noun, the word refers to the following;

  • Something subject to doubts
  • Something not certain

As an adverb, the word refers to the following;

  • Maybe
  • Feasibly
  • Perhaps
  • Conceivably
  • Possibly
  • Perchance

Mayhap Vs. Perhaps: The Connection

If you keenly look at the words perhaps, you’ll realize that it comes from “per” and “haps.” On the other hand, mayhap has “may” and “hap.” Maybe has “may” and “be.”

The presence of “may” in both words indicates that these are words conveying probability. “May” is also associated with politeness, especially when seeking permission to do something. That’s another clear indication that mayhap has a close connection with the perhaps and maybe.

Mayhap dates back to the 16th century. The word comes from the phrase “it may happen.” Note that this phrase is also the correct meaning of perhaps. That brings the connection even closer.

Other Word Vs Word Posts

Mayhap Vs. Perhaps: Pronunciation And Spelling

Considering that perhaps has two syllable sounds, per.haps, it’s quite an easy word to pronounce. In your speech, pronounce this word as pr.haps. When it comes to mayhap, the word’s syllables are two; may.hap. Pronounce the word exactly as the syllables read “may.hap.”

Is it perhap or perhaps?

The appropriate word to use is perhaps. Perhap has no known English meaning. You will not find the word in both online and offline dictionaries. That tells you it’s a misspelling of the word perhaps.

Is it mayhap or mayhaps?

There is so much confusion about which of the two is correct. There’s a phrase that goes, “life is full of mishaps.” That alone shows the term mishaps usage in sentences. Regarding usage, the correct status is that mayhap is more common than mishaps, and people prefer it.

perhaps golden letters

List Of Examples Of Mayhap And Perhaps Use In Sentences

Mayhap and perhaps sentence examples are the best way to perfect your understanding of these words. Examples help you picture how each word applies in various contexts.

But don’t just read them and relax. We recommend that you read, practice, and develop more sentences. Doing so will have the words stick in your brain. Here are ten sentence examples of perhaps and mayhap in sentences.

Example sentences of the word mayhap

  1. Mayhap this is what you get in return.
  2. I’m not a genius; mayhap you’ll consider using examples to illustrate.
  3. The soldiers will allow us to cross, mayhap.
  4. Mayhap this is our last day in town.
  5. Welcome back; mayhap that’s a good reason to pop the champagne.

Example sentences of the word perhaps

  1. Perhaps, we should give her one more hour.
  2. Perhaps, Erick didn’t notice you because of the cap.
  3. Mark was perhaps intoxicated. That isn’t his behavior.
  4. It is perhaps a bad omen to slaughter pigs in most Latin American homes.
  5. Mary hasn’t been feeling well – perhaps, it’s time to book a doctor’s appointment.

Conclusion

We can conclude that mayhap and perhaps main connection is that they mean the same thing. They are synonymous words that mean perchance, possibly, by chance, or maybe. However, mayhap is now outdated. So, it’s best to use the word perhaps to pass your message, and people will understand you easily.