First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1might
verbal auxiliary \ˈmīt\
Definition of MIGHT
past of may
—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>
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Origin of MIGHT
Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could
2might
noun
: power to do something : force or strength
Full Definition of MIGHT
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
dial : a great deal
See might defined for English-language learners
Origin of MIGHT
Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to MIGHT
Synonym Discussion of MIGHT
power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence <the power to mold public opinion>. authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits <granted the authority to manage her estate>. jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over parks>. control stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence <the empire extended its sway over the region>. dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. force implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. might implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. force implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. might implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
MIGHT Defined for Kids
1might
\ˈmīt\
Definition of MIGHT for Kids
past of may
—used as a helping verb to show that something is possible but not likely <We might arrive before it rains.>
2might
noun
Definition of MIGHT for Kids
: power that can be used (as by a person or group) <our army's might> <I tried with all my might.>
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