May

Definition

May is a modal verb and a proper noun. As a verb, it expresses possibility, permission, or wish. As a proper noun, it refers to the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar or can be used as a name.

Parts of Speech

• Modal Verb
• Proper Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪ/
• Respelling: MAY

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪ/
• Respelling: MAY

Etymology

The modal verb "may" originates from Old English "mæg," meaning "to be able to" or "have the power to," derived from Proto-Germanic "*maganą." The proper noun "May" comes from the Latin "Maius," named after Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth.

Derivatives

• Maying (noun, archaic, related to May Day)
• Mayst (verb, archaic second person singular)
• Mayhap (adverb, archaic, meaning "perhaps")
• Mayflower (noun)
• Maypole (noun)

Synonyms

• Might
• Can
• Perhaps (for modal sense)

Antonyms

• Cannot
• Will not
• Shall not

Usage

The term "may" is widely used to express possibilities, permissions, or to refer to the month of May. For example, "You may enter the room now," "It may rain tomorrow," or "May is my favorite month."

Related Terms

• Might: A modal verb expressing possibility or past permission.
• Spring: The season closely associated with May in many regions.
• May Day: A traditional holiday celebrated on the first of May.

Detailed Definitions

Modal Verb

• Expressing possibility: Indicates that something is possible.
  • Example: "It may snow tonight."
• Granting permission: Allows or permits an action.
  • Example: "You may borrow my book."
• Expressing a wish or hope (archaic): Used in a formal or literary sense.
  • Example: "May you live long and prosper."

Proper Noun

• The fifth month of the year: Refers to the month of May in the Gregorian calendar.
  • Example: "Her birthday is in May."
• A given name: Used as a first or last name.
  • Example: "May is a popular name in some cultures."