might

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auxiliary verb

ˈmīt 

past tense of may

1

—used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past

The president might do nothing without the board's consent.

2

—used to say that something is possible

We might get there before it rains.

I might go, but then again, I might not.

3

—used to express a present condition contrary to fact

If you were older you might understand.

4

a

—used as a polite alternative to may

Might I ask who is calling?

b

—used as a polite alternative to ought or should

You might at least apologize.

I might have known she'd be late.

might

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noun

1

a

: 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

ran with all her might

striving with might and main

2

dialect : a great deal

Synonyms

Noun

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Choose the Right Synonym for might

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of might in a Sentence

Noun

an impressive display of military might

the legal might of the government

Recent Examples on the Web

Auxiliary verb

In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers set out to find signals that might precede earthquakes, looking at a hodgepodge of cues like animal behavior, radon emissions and electromagnetic signals. —Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023

Early corporate behavior and statements from executives suggest that companies might be accepting the 1% tax as a cost of doing business, not changing their buyback practices. —Richard Rubin, WSJ, 7 Feb. 2023

Noun

But the sequel, starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, couldn’t match the might of the original, picking up just two nominations for best supporting actor (Denzel Washington) and best cinematic and box-office achievement. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

With a reasonable degree of certainty, the short-term consumer environment will be highly troublesome, but negotiations could work out, and retail might (eventually) be better off. —Rick Helfenbein, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Auxiliary verb

Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could

Noun

Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may entry 1

First Known Use

Auxiliary Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing might

• if I may/might say so
• might makes/is right
• might/may as well
• might/should have known
• pigs might fly
• try as one might
• with all one's might
• with might and main
• you might say

Kids Definition

might

1 of 2

(ˈ)mīt 

past of may

—used as a helping verb to express permission

asked if I might leave

, possibility

we might go, if asked

thought you might try

, or a present condition that does not in fact exist

if you were older, you might understand

might

2 of 2 noun

ˈmīt

: power to do something : force

with all my might

Etymology

Old English meahte, mihte (an auxiliary verb)

Noun

Old English miht "power, might"