Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Perhaps; possibly: Used to express uncertainty or possibility about something. This usage is archaic or literary.
   • By chance; accidentally: Used to indicate that something happens without planning or intention. This usage is archaic.

2. Noun:

   • Doubt; uncertainty: A state of being unsure about the truth or likelihood of something.
   • Chance; contingency: The possibility of something happening by accident or unforeseen circumstance.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Peradventure the letter was lost in the post. (Perhaps the letter was lost in the post.)
  • We shall, peradventure, meet again in the spring. (We shall, perhaps, meet again in the spring.)

• Noun:

  • His guilt was proved beyond all peradventure. (His guilt was proved beyond all doubt.)
  • There is no peradventure about the outcome; the result is certain. (There is no uncertainty about the outcome; the result is certain.)

Advanced Usage

• "If peradventure...": An archaic conjunctional phrase meaning "if by chance..." or "in case that...".

  • Take a lantern, if peradventure you return after dark. (Take a lantern, in case you return after dark.)

• "Lest peradventure...": An archaic phrase meaning "for fear that perhaps...".

  • He spoke softly, lest peradventure he be overheard. (He spoke softly, for fear that perhaps he might be overheard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Perchance (adverb): Perhaps; by chance. (A close synonym with similar archaic/literary tone).
• Haply (adverb): By chance; perhaps. (Another archaic synonym).

Synonyms

• Adverb: Perhaps, maybe, possibly, perchance.
• Noun: Doubt, uncertainty, question, contingency.

Notes on Usage

• Register: The word "peradventure" is now considered archaic, literary, or humorous. It is rarely used in modern everyday English but may be found in historical texts, poetry, or used for stylistic effect.
• Structure: As an adverb, it typically appears at the beginning of a clause or after the subject. As a noun, it is most commonly used in the formal phrase "beyond (a/any) peradventure" or "without peradventure", meaning "without any doubt whatsoever".

Adverb

1. by chance
   • perhaps she will call tomorrow
   • we may possibly run into them at the concert
   • it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time

Noun

1. doubt or uncertainty as to whether something is the case
   • this proves beyond peradventure that he is innocent