MIGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Might is a modal verb that has a range of meanings and functions.
As a verb, "might" is the past tense of "may" and is used to express possibility or permission. In this context, it indicates that something is potentially able to happen or be true, but there is also a chance it may not. For example, "He might come to the party tonight if he finishes his work."
"Might" can also be used to suggest a tentative suggestion or a polite request. For instance, "You might want to consider revising your essay before submitting it for grading" or "Might I borrow your pen, please?"
As a noun, "might" refers to physical or moral strength or power. It can signify the possession of great force or capability. For example, "He fought with all his might" or "She possesses the might to achieve her goals."
In a more general sense, "might" can also suggest a degree of possibility or likelihood. It often implies uncertainty or a minor probability. For instance, "There might be food left in the fridge" or "She might be coming to the meeting, but I'm not sure."
Overall, "might" is a versatile word that is used to express possibility, permission, suggestion, strength, and uncertainty in various contexts.
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• Strength, force, or power in general; ability.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for MIGHT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MIGHT
Etymology of MIGHT
The word "might" originated from the Old English word "miht", which can be traced back to the Germanic root "meht". This root is also related to the Old Norse word "mætti" and the Gothic word "mahts". Furthermore, the German word "macht" and Dutch word "macht" are derived from the same Germanic root. Ultimately, the word "might" has a Germanic origin and has been used in various forms across different languages for centuries.
Idioms with the word MIGHT
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you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb
The idiom "you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb" means that if you are going to get in trouble or face severe consequences for doing something, you might as well do something even more significant or daring. It implies that the risk or punishment is already significant, so there is no point in holding back or being cautious.
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may/might as well
The idiom "may/might as well" is used to suggest that if there is no better alternative or option available, then it would be logical or reasonable to do something. It implies that the situation or circumstances make it virtually the same or equivalent to choose a particular action or decision.
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might just as well
The idiom "might just as well" means that there is little difference or significance between different options or choices. It implies that any of the options would be equally acceptable or have a similar outcome.
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with might and main
The idiom "with might and main" means to put forth maximum effort or to do something with great strength and determination.
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pigs might fly
The idiom "pigs might fly" is used to express extreme skepticism or doubt about the possibility of something happening. It implies that the event being discussed is highly improbable or unlikely to occur.
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might is right
The idiom "might is right" suggests that those who have power or strength are the ones who determine what is just and fair, regardless of any moral or ethical considerations. It implies that those with superior strength or authority have the ability to assert their own will or perspective over others, regardless of any opposing opinions or beliefs.
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might as well be hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb" means that if you are going to be punished for a minor offense, you might as well commit a more serious offense since the consequences will be the same. In other words, if the punishment is going to be severe regardless of the action, it is better to take the risk and do something else with potentially greater rewards.
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might as well
The idiom "might as well" is used to express the idea that since a particular action or situation cannot be avoided or changed, it is best or more logical to do or accept it. It implies that there is no better alternative or option available, so one should proceed with the best course of action given the circumstances.
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might and main
The idiom "might and main" means with all one's strength, effort, or power. It refers to putting forth the utmost force, determination, or energy to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle.
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might could
The idiom "might could" is a colloquial expression predominantly used in the Southern United States. It suggests the possibility or potential of being able to do something. It combines the modals "might" and "could" to emphasize uncertainty or tentative ability. The phrase implies that there is a chance or a slim possibility of achieving or completing a task.
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might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is already facing severe consequences for a certain action, they may as well take a risk and commit a more significant action. It implies that the potential outcomes or punishments are already severe, so there is no significant difference in the additional risks taken.
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you might as well (do sth)
The idiom "you might as well (do sth)" is used to suggest that there is no significant difference between certain options or actions, implying that it would be better to choose or do a particular thing due to lack of alternatives or similar benefits. It conveys the idea that the suggested action is the most logical or reasonable course of action, given the circumstances.
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I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is going to be punished or suffer consequences for a certain action, they might as well go all the way and commit a more significant or daring action. In other words, if the punishment is going to be severe, they may as well make it worthwhile. It implies that the person is willing to take risks or face consequences regardless, so they might as well make the most of it.
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(one) might be forgiven for (doing something)
The idiom "(one) might be forgiven for (doing something)" means that someone's action or behavior is understandable or justifiable, given the circumstances. It suggests that although the action may not be ideal or appropriate, it is forgivable or excusable due to the particular situation or reasons involved.
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I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is already facing severe consequences or punishment for a certain action, they might as well take a much greater risk or commit a more serious offense since the punishment remains the same. It suggests that there is no additional advantage or benefit in being cautious or moderate when there is already a significant penalty involved.
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monkeys might fly out of my butt
The idiom "monkeys might fly out of my butt" is an exaggerated and humorous way of expressing extreme skepticism or disbelief regarding the possibility of something happening. It implies that the likelihood of a particular event occurring is incredibly low or virtually impossible, likening it to the absurd notion of monkeys flying out of one's buttocks.
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might I ask/inquire/know
The idiom "might I ask/inquire/know?" is a polite way to seek permission to ask a question or gather information. It is used to show politeness and respect by asking for permission before proceeding with the inquiry.
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if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride
The idiom "if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride" means that if hoping or desiring something could make it a reality, even the most impoverished or marginalized individuals could have or achieve anything they desired. It implies that simply wishing or dreaming about something does not guarantee its fulfillment; action and effort are required to make wishes come true.
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hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be
The idiom "hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be" means that since one is already being accused or punished for a small offense, they might as well commit a more serious offense for potentially greater benefits or rewards. It implies that if the consequences are the same, one might as well take a greater risk to achieve a more significant outcome.
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Might makes right
The idiom "Might makes right" refers to the belief or principle that those who have power or strength are entitled to impose their will or control over others, regardless of whether their actions are fair or just. It suggests that the use of force or authority is the determining factor in deciding what is morally acceptable or correct.
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Nothing so bad but might have been worse
The idiom "Nothing so bad but might have been worse" is used to express a perspective that even a situation or event that seems bad or unfavorable could have been much worse. It suggests that things could have turned out even more negatively than they actually did.
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might(y) nigh
The idiom "mighty nigh" means very close or almost. It is usually used to describe a close or near occurrence or situation.
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(one) might do worse
The idiom "(one) might do worse" implies that the current option or choice being considered may not be the absolute best, but it is still a reasonable or acceptable alternative. It suggests that there are worse alternatives available and encourages accepting the current option under consideration.
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I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb.
The idiom "I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that if you are going to be punished severely for a particular offense or action, you might as well commit a more significant offense or take a greater risk since the consequences will be the same. It implies that if the outcome is equally severe, there is no point in being cautious or playing it safe.
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I might have known
The idiom "I might have known" is used to express a sense of unsurprised disappointment or regret with the outcome of a situation. It suggests that the speaker had a suspicion or intuition about something negative happening but did not act upon it or ignored it, resulting in their current state of disappointment or regret.
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Nothing so bad but (it) might have been worse.
The idiom "Nothing so bad but (it) might have been worse" means that no matter how negative or difficult a situation may seem, there is always a possibility for it to be even worse. It emphasizes the relative nature of problems, acknowledging that there is often a silver lining or a better alternative that could have been experienced.
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might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is already facing severe consequences or punishment for a certain action, they might as well engage in a more extreme or daring action that yields a potentially greater reward or benefit, as the consequences would be similar regardless. It suggests that since the punishment will be severe anyway, one might as well take a risk in order to potentially gain a larger advantage.
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could/might just as well...
This idiom is used to express that something has little importance or difference in the outcome. It implies that the two choices or actions being compared are essentially the same or have equally low value or impact.
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he, she, etc. could/might be forgiven for doing something
This idiom means that a person's actions or behavior are understandable or excusable given the circumstances.
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if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
This idiom is used to express that simply wishing for something to happen will not make it come true. It is often used to convey the idea that in order to achieve something, action and effort are required, not just wishes.
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(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb
This idiom means that since the consequences are severe, it is just as well to risk a greater loss or punishment as a smaller one. It suggests that if you are already in trouble for a small offense, you might as well commit a larger offense as the punishment will likely be the same.
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anything can/might happen
This idiom means that a situation is unpredictable and that anything is possible. It suggests that the outcome is uncertain and unexpected.
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we, you, he, etc. can/could/might do worse
This idiom means that the current situation or choice is not ideal, but it is not the worst option available. It suggests that the alternative options could be even less desirable.
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may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that since the consequences will be severe regardless of the choice made, one might as well take a risk or do something bold. It suggests that if one is already facing serious consequences, they should not worry about making a smaller mistake in addition.
Similar spelling words for MIGHT
Conjugate verb Might
CONDITIONAL
I
would might
you
would might
he/she/it
would might
we
would might
they
would might
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be mighting
you
would be mighting
he/she/it
would be mighting
we
would be mighting
they
would be mighting
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have might
you
would have might
he/she/it
would have might
we
would have might
they
would have might
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been mighting
you
would have been mighting
he/she/it
would have been mighting
we
would have been mighting
they
would have been mighting
FUTURE
I
will might
you
will might
he/she/it
will might
we
will might
they
will might
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be mighting
you
will be mighting
he/she/it
will be mighting
we
will be mighting
they
will be mighting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have mighted
you
will have mighted
he/she/it
will have mighted
we
will have mighted
they
will have mighted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been mighting
you
will have been mighting
he/she/it
will have been mighting
we
will have been mighting
they
will have been mighting
IMPERATIVE
you
might
we
let´s might
to might
PAST
I
mighted
you
mighted
he/she/it
mighted
we
mighted
they
mighted
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was mighting
you
were mighting
he/she/it
was mighting
we
were mighting
they
were mighting
PAST PARTICIPLE
mighted
PAST PERFECT
I
had mighted
you
had mighted
he/she/it
had mighted
we
had mighted
they
had mighted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been mighting
you
had been mighting
he/she/it
had been mighting
we
had been mighting
they
had been mighting
PRESENT
I
might
you
might
he/she/it
mights
we
might
they
might
he/she/it
might
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am mighting
you
are mighting
he/she/it
is mighting
we
are mighting
they
are mighting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
mighting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have mighted
you
have mighted
he/she/it
has mighted
we
have mighted
they
have mighted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been mighting
you
have been mighting
he/she/it
has been mighting
we
have been mighting
they
have been mighting
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