might Hear it!

might1 definition

might (mīt)

auxiliary verb

  1. may
  2. used as a modal auxiliary in verbal phrases with present or future time reference, generally equivalent to may in meaning and use, with the following functions:
    1. expressing esp. a shade of doubt or a lesser degree of possibility it might rain
    2. expressing a lesser degree of permission might I go?
    3. expressing a lesser degree of obligation you might try to help

Etymology: ME mihte < OE, akin to Ger möchte

intransitive verb

used elliptically in the same functions as might ()
might2 definition

might (mīt)

noun

  1. great or superior strength, power, force, or vigor
  2. strength or power of any degree

Etymology: ME mighte < OE miht, akin to Ger macht < IE base *māgh-, to be able > ON magn

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

might Synonyms

might

n.

strength, force, sway; see strength 1. See syn. study at strength.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

might Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • military: Terrorism isn't about military might, who has the most guns.

Modifies a noun

  • work: It is recognized that this might inconvenience work based candidates but it's felt that the integrity of the tests should be paramount.

Preposition: in

  • course: That matter might in due course be considered by those responsible for these forms.
might usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

might quotes

Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens.

-Anonymous

And David danced before the L with all his might.

-Bible (Old Testament)

Whatsoever thy hand findethto do; do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

-Bible (Old Testament)

might quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"might." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/might>

APA Style

might. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/might

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment