DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
might
力氣,權力(v.)aux.可能,也許
May v. [imp. Might ] An auxiliary verb qualifying the meaning of another verb, by expressing: (a) Ability, competency, or possibility; -- now oftener expressed by can.
How may a man, said he, with idle speech,
Be won to spoil the castle of his health! --Spenser.
For what he [the king] may do is of two kinds; what he may do as just, and what he may do as possible. --Bacon.
For of all sad words of tongue or pen
The saddest are these: “It might have been.” --Whittier.
(b) Liberty; permission; allowance.
Thou mayst be no longer steward. --Luke xvi. 2.
(c) Contingency or liability; possibility or probability.
Though what he learns he speaks, and may advance
Some general maxims, or be right by chance. --Pope.
(d) Modesty, courtesy, or concession, or a desire to soften a question or remark.
How old may Phillis be, you ask. --Prior.
(e) Desire or wish, as in prayer, imprecation, benediction, and the like. “May you live happily.”
May be, ∧ It may be, are used as equivalent to possibly, perhaps, maybe, by chance, peradventure. See 1st Maybe.
Might, n. Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity.
What so strong,
But wanting rest, will also want of might? --Spenser.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. --Deut. vi. 5.
With might and main. See under 2d Main.
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might
n : physical strength [syn: mightiness, power]