Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition might in American English

might modal verb

modal verb
/maɪt/

Might is usually followed by an infinitive without “to”: I might change my mind. Sometimes might is used without a following infinitive: I don’t think we’ll need any more help, but we might.

Might does not change its form, so the third person singular form does not end in “-s”: She might be late.

Questions and negatives are formed without “do”: Might I make a suggestion?Your plan might not work. The negative short form mightn’t can also be used, but only in very informal English.

Might has no participles and no infinitive form.

There is no past tense but might have, followed by a past participle, is used for talking about past possibilities: The explosion might have been caused by a gas leak.

When indirect speech is introduced by a verb in the past tense, might can be used as the past tense of may: She said that she might go and stay with her mother.

There is no future tense, but might is used for talking about future possibilities: It might rain tomorrow.

1

used for saying that there is a possibility that something is true, or that something will happen, especially when it is not very likely

Example

You never know what might happen in the future.

Example

I was afraid that someone might recognize me.

Example

Did you say anything that might have upset her?

Example

We might just get there in time if we hurry.

Synonyms and related words
unlikely doubtful remote
2

used for very politely asking permission to do something

2.1

used for very politely asking permission to do something

Example

Might I ask the President a question?

Example

I wonder if I might use your telephone.

Example

John asked if he might accompany me, and I agreed.

2.2

if someone said in the past that you might do something, they gave you permission to do it

Example

Mr. Binks had said that we might borrow his pickup truck.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
Example

I thought we might take a walk around the neighborhood.

Example

You might like to see what we've done to the backyard.

Synonyms and related words
perhaps maybe may
4

used for showing that you are annoyed with someone because they have not done something that they should do

Example

He might have warned me he was going to be late.

Example

In future you might try to be a little more polite.

5

used for saying that someone did something in order to achieve a particular purpose

Example

I refused a party invitation so that I might spend Sunday with you.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
6

used for talking about the way in which someone remembers or thinks of a situation

Example

I remember that day so clearly, it might have been yesterday.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
Definition might in American English

Related Words

Words related to might:

as you might (phrase) just as well do something (phrase) I might add (phrase) I might have (phrase) if I might be so bold (phrase) be wise to do something (phrase) (just) as well do something (phrase) I ask (phrase) might (modal verb) might (noun) might (just) as well (phrase) might (very) (phrase) might have done something (phrase) have done something (phrase) might well (phrase) might-have-been (noun) might...but (phrase) just do something (phrase) try as someone might (phrase) etc. might...? (phrase) with all your might (phrase) you well ask (phrase)