might
might Lexical Profile
might Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To express a possibility, likelihood, or hypothetical outcome in the present or future (used as a modal auxiliary verb).
"Bring an umbrella with you because it might rain later this afternoon."
To indicate what was possible or permitted in the past, or to serve as the past tense of 'may' in indirect reported speech (used as a modal auxiliary verb).
"The professor mentioned that the final exam might cover chapters from the first half of the semester."
To make a tentative suggestion, offer polite advice, or ask for permission in a formal and deferential manner (used as a modal auxiliary verb).
"Might I ask a brief question regarding the timeline for the upcoming research project?"
• noun
Great and impressive power, physical strength, or forceful capacity, especially as exerted by a person, group, or nation.
"She pushed against the heavy oak door with all her might until it finally swung open."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with the homophone 'mite' (a tiny arachnid or a small amount). As a modal auxiliary verb, 'might' is defective and lacks infinitive, participle, or inflected third-person singular forms.
• Rhymes for might
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Old English 'miht' (strength, power, ability), while the modal verb descends from Old English 'mihte' or 'meahte', the past tense of 'magan' (to be able); both ultimately trace back to the Proto-Germanic root '*mag-' meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power'.