might
/mait/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- Physical strength or power: The quality of being strong; bodily or muscular power.
- Great power or force: Impressive strength or influence, often beyond the ordinary.
Modal Verb (Past tense of 'may'):
- Used to express possibility: Indicates that something is possible or could happen, but is not certain.
- Used to make a polite suggestion or request: A softer, more tentative, or more formal alternative to 'could' or 'can'.
- Used in reported speech: To report a past statement about possibility or permission.
Examples of Usage
Noun: He pushed the rock with all his might but it wouldn't budge.The might of the ancient empire was feared by all its neighbors.
Modal Verb: It might rain later, so take an umbrella. (Expressing possibility) You might want to reconsider your decision. (Making a polite suggestion) She said we might be allowed to leave early. (Reported speech)
Advanced Usage
- "Might as well": Used to suggest doing something because there is no good reason not to do it, or because the alternative is no better.
- "Might have + past participle": Used to express a possibility in the past that did not happen, or to speculate about a past event.
Variants and Related Words
- Mighty (adj): Possessing great power or strength; very large or impressive.
- Almighty (adj): Having absolute power; often used as a title for God.
Synonyms
- Noun: Strength, power, force, potency, brawn.
- Modal Verb: Could, may (present tense).
Related Phrases
- With all one's might: Using all of one's strength or effort.
- Might makes right: A proverb suggesting that those with power can set the rules or determine what is correct.
Idioms
- A might-have-been: A person or thing that could have been successful or important but never was.
- Try as I might: Despite all my efforts.
Noun
- physical strength