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Glite Dictionary
percase

percase

9.9
To show that something might happen
  • adverb
  • Archaic
: quizás
  • He will come tomorrow, percase, if the weather is fair.

Examples

  • The letter may arrive today, percase, if the messenger is swift.

  • I might percase join you later.

  • She waited in the garden, percase he should pass by and greet her.

  • She will percase attend the meeting.

  • He might come to the party, percase he finishes his work early.

  • She could visit us tomorrow, percase she has time.

  • They will percase bring dessert, but that's not certain.

Synonyms

maybe
vspercase
∞ 1.0

It might happen or be true

is neutral standard language rather than casual speech
probably
vspercase
∞ 1.0

Likely to happen or be true but not certain

expresses doubt rather than strong likelihood
perhaps
vspercase
∞ 1.0

To say something might be true

is an alternate form with the same meaning
possibly
vspercase
∞ 1.0

May happen or be true and sometimes makes a request more polite

is a general expression of doubt or uncertainty
likely
vspercase
786 1.0

There is a good chance it will happen

marks possibility or uncertainty, not high probability
peradventure
vspercase
  • Archaic
9.9

Says that something might happen by chance

is the modern neutral way to express uncertainty or possibility

How Certain

certainly
∞ 1.0
probably
∞ 1.0
percase
  • Archaic
9.9
possibly
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

percase positive

Etymology

The word percase likely comes from the old phrase per + chance, which means 'by chance'. The familiar word chance means 'possibility' or 'luck', so percase is a way to say 'perhaps' or 'possibly'.