might

UK [mɑjt] US [mɐɪt]

noun 3adj 2

Definitions

noun

Power, strength, force, or influence held by a person or group.

[…]ſtrengthed with all myght, thꝛough his gloꝛious power, unto all pacience and long ſufferyng with ioifulneſſe[…]

This is the richest, the most powerful country which ever occupied this globe. The might of past empires is little compared to ours. But I do not want to be the president who built empires or sought grandeur or extended dominion. I want to be the president who educated young children to the wonders of their world.

Physical strength or force.

He pushed with all his might, but still it would not move.

The ability to do something.

adj

Mighty; powerful.

Possible.

Collocations

ADJ.

afraid, all, careful, failed, live, main, worried, wrong

You might be afraid of flying, but it's actually very safe.

VERB + MIGHT

died, help, horses, listen, point, sing, think, trouble

If you listen to what your teacher says, it might help you pass the exam.

MIGHT + NOUN

empires, feelings

The rise and fall of great might empires shaped the course of human history.

PREP.

up, with

She might come up with a better solution if we give her more time to think.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

noun — physical strength

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

might as well

Used to express somewhat reluctant assent, saying that if one situation exists (or because it does exist), another event or situation that would otherwise be undesirable, difficult, impossible, etc., becomes more feasible or reasonable, or

You arrived too early, but since you're here, you might as well come in.

might makes right

What is right or wrong is determined by power and strength; power justifies itself.

pigs might fly

A response (often with a hint of sarcasm) to a situation which one thinks that there is no chance of ever occurring.

"I'm sure he'll pay you back tomorrow." "Yeah right, and pigs might fly."

might is right

Alternative form of might makes right.

if wishes were horses, beggars might ride

Alternative form of if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Example Bank

[…]ſtrengthed with all myght, thꝛough his gloꝛious power, unto all pacience and long ſufferyng with ioifulneſſe[…]

Wiktionary

Since every nation considers itself right, peace lies in balancing the military mights of the possible rivals.

Wiktionary

It might sound far-fetched, but this is a real problem.

Tatoeba · #2071

Try as you might, but you cannot force a belief onto someone else, much less your own self.

Tatoeba · #2262

You never listen. I might as well talk to the wall.

Tatoeba · #15937

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, might is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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