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might

modal verb (might — like may, no -s form); noun (might — power, strength)

«might» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

  1. Used to say something is possible but not sure: "It might rain." tree →
  2. Past of "may" in reported speech: "She said she might come." tree →
  3. Used for polite suggestions or requests: "You might try again." tree →
  4. As a noun, great power or strength: "with all his might". tree →

In the lessons

In maths, probability words: "might" means possible, not certain (between impossible and certain). In safety: think about what might happen before you act. In stories, "with all his might" shows great effort. Phrases: might as well, might have, with all your might.

Examples

Note

"Might" never takes -s and is followed by a plain verb: "she might go". "Might" sounds like "mite" (a tiny bug). In probability, "might" = possible, chance between 0 and 1.

In Jewish tradition

As a noun it is the power of God or of a person, as in loving God "with all thy might".

Interpretation. The Shema's "with all your might" is read by tradition as loving God with all one's wealth or with all one's strength, even at the cost of one's life.

Examples

  • And Abraham said unto God: 'Oh that Ishmael might live before Thee!' (Torah GEN.17.18, JPS 1917) tree →
  • And Laban said: 'Behold, would it might be according to thy word.' (Torah GEN.30.34, JPS 1917) tree →
  • that Moses and Aaron and his sons might wash their hands and their feet thereat; (Torah EXO.40.31, JPS 1917) tree →
  • That they might keep His statutes, and observe His laws. (Writings PSA.105.45, JPS 1917) tree →
  • Or who was His counsellor that he might instruct Him? (Prophets ISA.40.13, JPS 1917) tree →
  • Thus might we procure great evil against our own souls.' (Prophets JER.26.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

"Might" never takes -s and is followed by a plain verb: "she might go". "Might" sounds like "mite" (a tiny bug). In probability, "might" = possible, chance between 0 and 1.

On Mova

This page in Markdown → https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/might/