might

might
I. verbal auxiliary, past of may Etymology: Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could Date: before 12th century — 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
>
II. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may Date: before 12th century 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 <
striving with might and main
>
2. dialect a great deal Synonyms: see power

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

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  • Might — Might, n. [AS. meaht, miht, from the root of magan to be able, E. may; akin to D. magt, OS. maht, G. macht, Icel. m[=a]ttr, Goth. mahts. [root]103. See {May}, v.] Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Might — may refer to: Might, an English auxiliary verb, a verb whose function it is to give further semantic or syntactic information about the main or full verb which follows it Might , a song by Modest Mouse from their 1996 album This Is a Long Drive… …   Wikipedia

  • Might! — Studio album by NON Released 1995 Genre Noise Industrial Label …   Wikipedia

  • might — Ⅰ. might [1] ► MODAL VERB (3rd sing. present might) past of MAY(Cf. ↑may). 1) used to express possibility or make a suggestion. 2) used politely or tentatively in questions and requests. Ⅱ. might …   English terms dictionary

  • might — might1 [mīt] v.aux. [ME mihte < OE, akin to Ger möchte] 1. pt. of MAY1 2. used as a modal auxiliary in verbal phrases with present or future time reference, generally equivalent to MAY1 in meaning and use, with the following functions: a)… …   English World dictionary

  • might|y — «MY tee», adjective, might|i|er, might|i|est, adverb, noun, plural might|ies. –adj. 1. showing strength or power; powerful; …   Useful english dictionary

  • Might — (m[imac]t), imp. of {May}. [AS. meahte, mihte.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • might — I noun authoritativeness, brawn, durability, efficacy, energy, force, greatness, influence, intensity, main force, mightiness, muscle, potency, potential, powerfulness, prowess, puissance, robustness, severity, sinew, strength, sturdiness,… …   Law dictionary

  • might — n strength, energy, *power, force, puissance Analogous words: vigorousness or vigor, strenuousness, energeticness, lustiness (see corresponding adjectives at VIGOROUS): potency, powerfulness, forcibleness, forcefulness (see corresponding… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • might — [n] ability, power adequacy, arm, authority, capability, capacity, clout, command, competence, control, domination, efficacy, efficiency, energy, force, forcefulness, forcibleness, get up and go*, jurisdiction, lustiness, mastery, moxie*, muscle* …   New thesaurus

  • might|i|ly — «MY tuh lee», adverb. 1. in a mighty manner; powerfully; vigorously: »Samson strove mightily and pulled the pillars down. 2. very much; greatly: »We were mightily pleased at winning …   Useful english dictionary

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