may
/meɪ/
To be strong; to have power (over).
(auxiliary) To be able; can.
To be able to go.
(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.
you may smoke outside; may I sit there?
(modal auxiliary verb, defective) Expressing a present possibility; possibly.
he may be lying; Schrödinger's cat may or may not be in the box
(subjunctive present, defective) Expressing a wish (with present subjunctive effect).
may you win; may the weather be sunny
Used in modesty, courtesy, or concession, or to soften a question or remark.