My Favorite Word: Perhaps

“Perhaps” means “maybe”, but “maybe” is a much more common word, and often comes with “maybe not.” I like “perhaps.” In combination with other words it can suggest possibilities. It doesn’t agree or disagree, usually. It doesn’t state the degree to which it’s supposition is possible.
It just says “maybe.”
Perhaps you are right.
Perhaps I’ll become a millionaire.
Perhaps she’s not being rude on purpose.
Perhaps man will colonize Mars.
I love that it seems like the beginning of wonder and romance and communication and understanding. It doesn’t have the solid umph to really carry those things out, but it begins them well. And they certainly should be begun. I guess I like it because it sounds like hope feels, and it sounds like imagination.
I think our lives could all use a little perhaps.

