Definition of might
past tense of may
—used in auxiliary function to express permission, liberty, probability, possibility in the past the president might do nothing without the board's consent or a present condition contrary to fact if you were older you might understand or less probability or possibility than may might get there before it rains or as a polite alternative to may might I ask who is calling or to ought or should you might at least apologize
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of might
Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could
might
Definition of might
1a : the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group)b (1) : bodily strength (2) : the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable striving with might and main
2 dialect : a great deal
Examples of might in a Sentence
an impressive display of military might
the legal might of the government
Recent Examples of might from the Web
-
The traditional U.S. approach to warfare — dominance achieved by mass of force produced by the nation’s industrial might — is of limited relevance.
-
In addition to the display of French military might, the parade will be augmented by about 150 US soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines, as well as American aircraft participating in the flyover.
-
No feat of rhetorical might can move the Rock of Gibraltar.
-
One difficulty was finding language experts, notably with mastery of Russian and Chinese, the languages of two countries whose increasingly central role has shaken up an old world order dominated by U.S. military might.
-
He was succeeded by Ronald Reagan, who did a masterly job of fusing might and right.
-
Alyssa Milano Chats About Her Notorious 'Charmed' Feud with Shannen Doherty Their 15-year-old drama *might* finally get resolved.
-
Such a gorgeous, delicate dish almost bereft of acid on its own might fall flat without the punchy Txakolina poured out of a porron to balance it out.
-
Investigators questioned the three young men and learned the fourth might be at a house in the 1200 block of Charlton Street in West St. Paul.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'might.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of might
Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may
Synonym Discussion of might
MIGHT Defined for English Language Learners
might
Definition of might for English Language Learners
-
: power to do something : force or strength
MIGHT Defined for Kids
Definition of might for Students
: power that can be used (as by a person or group) our army's might I tried with all my might.
Learn More about might
-
See words that rhyme with might Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for might Spanish Central: Translation of might Nglish: Translation of might for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of might for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up might? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!