may

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may1 / mā/ • modal verb (3rd sing. present may; past might / mīt/ ) 1. expressing possibility: that may be true he may well win. ∎  used when admitting that something is so before making another, more important point: they may have been old-fashioned, but they were excellent teachers.2. expressing permission: you may use a sling if you wish may I ask a few questions?3. expressing a wish or hope: may she rest in peace.PHRASES: be that as it may despite that; nevertheless.may as wellanother way of saying might as well (see might1 ).may2 • n. the hawthorn or its blossom.

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