May — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

auxiliary verb noun adjective /ˈmā/

Meaning & Definition of May

May (auxiliary verb)

  1. —used to indicate possibility or probability —sometimes used interchangeably with can —sometimes used where might would be expected
  2. have permission to, be free to —used nearly interchangeably with can
  3. have the ability to

May (noun)

  1. maiden
  2. the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar
  3. the early vigorous blooming part of human life, prime
  4. the festivities of May Day

May (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having a relaxed, casual manner

    "a devil-may-care golfer who knows that it's only a game"

    similar: affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow
    related: carefree, casual, dégagé, lackadaisical, nonchalant, unaffected, unconcerned, unfussy, unperturbed, untroubled, unworried, familiar, homey, informal, flexible, lax, lenient, permissive, pliable, pliant, soft, accessible, approachable, imperturbable, nerveless, unflappable, unshakable, amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, genial, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted
    opposite: high-strung, uptight
    near: ceremonious, decorous, formal, rigid, strict, anxious, bothered, distressed, worried, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, tense

  2. having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions

    "the devil-may-care speed with which he drives his sports car is going to cause a lot of grief someday"

    similar: daredevil, foolhardy, harum-scarum, hell-for-leather, irresponsible, kamikaze, reckless
    related: adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, venturesome, hasty, headlong, hotheaded, impetuous, precipitate, rash, wild, blithe, carefree, happy-go-lucky, madcap, slaphappy, nonchalant, unconcerned, unworried, careless, freewheeling, heedless, inattentive, incautious, mindless, regardless, unheeding, unmindful, feckless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, unthinking
    opposite: responsible
    near: careful, cautious, circumspect, heedful, overcareful, overcautious, timid

  3. having or showing freedom from worries or troubles

    "the devil-may-care attitude that some people have about needlessly contributing to global warming"

    similar: blithe, carefree, debonair, gay, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, lightsome, slaphappy, unconcerned
    related: blasé, breezy, cavalier, nonchalant, casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, low-pressure, relaxed, unfussy
    opposite: careworn
    near: earnest, grave, serious, serious-minded, somber, careful, cautious, heedful, wary, anxious, concerned, upset, worried, long-suffering, overburdened, sorrowful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for May

The most common words with a similar meaning to May:

affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow, daredevil, foolhardy, harum-scarum, hell-for-leather, irresponsible, kamikaze, reckless, blithe, carefree, debonair, gay, insouciant, lighthearted, lightsome, slaphappy, unconcerned

Antonyms & Opposite Words for May

Words with the opposite meaning of May:

high-strung, uptight, responsible, careworn

Related Words for May

casual, dégagé, lackadaisical, nonchalant, unaffected, unfussy, unperturbed, untroubled, unworried, familiar, homey, informal, flexible, lax, lenient, permissive, pliable, pliant, soft, accessible, approachable, imperturbable, nerveless, unflappable, unshakable, amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, genial

Near Antonyms of May

ceremonious, decorous, formal, rigid, strict, anxious, bothered, distressed, worried, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, tense, careful, cautious, circumspect, heedful, overcareful, overcautious, timid, earnest, grave, serious, serious-minded, somber, wary, concerned, upset, long-suffering

Word Forms of May

Inflections: might

Origin & Etymology of May

Middle English (1st & 3rd singular present indicative), from Old English mæg; akin to Old High German mag (1st & 3rd singular present indicative) have power, am able (infinitive magan), and perhaps to Greek mēchos means, expedient

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for May

Words & Phrases Containing May

mayest, May Day, may I just say, devil-may-care, be that as it may

Frequently Asked Questions about May

What does "May" mean?

"May" means —used to indicate possibility or probability —sometimes used interchangeably with can —sometimes used where might would be expected. As an an auxiliary verb, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: —used to indicate possibility or probability —sometimes used interchangeably with can —sometimes used where might would be expected. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "May"?

Other words for "May" include affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow and daredevil. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "May" you intend.

What are different ways to say "May"?

There are 87 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "May". Common alternatives include affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow, daredevil, foolhardy and harum-scarum.

What is the opposite of "May"?

Antonyms of "May" include high-strung, uptight, responsible and careworn. Near antonyms include ceremonious, decorous, formal and rigid.

How do you use "May" in a sentence?

Examples of "May" in a sentence: "a devil-may-care golfer who knows that it's only a game"; "the devil-may-care speed with which he drives his sports car is going to cause a lot of grief someday"; "the devil-may-care attitude that some people have about needlessly contributing to global warming".

Is "May" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"May" can be used as an auxiliary verb, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "May" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "May" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "May"?

"May" is pronounced /ˈmā/.