"Maybe" versus "perhaps"

Was there ever a real distinction between the two? I always have the urge to use maybe for discussing state and perhaps for actions. I know this is only because perhaps (by hap) and happen (befall by hap) share a root, but at least it's logical. Am I totally misguided here?

Solution 1:

The differences between perhaps and maybe are the following:

• Maybe is used as a noun, in phrases like no ifs, buts, or maybes.
• Perhaps is used in polite requests: would you perhaps consent to act as our guide?

The meaning of maybe is possibly, perhaps. Except in set phrases, you can replace maybe with perhaps. As far as I know, there is no distinction in the usage of the words you describe; both the words can be used with actions.

_{[The examples are taken from the NOAD]}

Solution 2:

I don't believe there's any discernable difference, and I can't think of a sentence where maybe and perhaps could be switched and change the meaning or sound awkward.

A search on WordNet shows both words are in the same Synset and aren't a member of any other Synset, if you take WordNet as being semi-authoritative…

Solution 3:

I have been studying these two words, and from the various contexts, perhaps is used at the beginning of an optative sentence, where one is hoping for something to be true, whereas with the word maybe, it is less wishful, and a bit more uncertain. I guess it is similar with the words may and might.

He may go to the party. (There is a fair possibility that he will go.)

He might go to the party. (There is a slight possibility that he will go.)

Perhaps he went to the party. (He may have gone to the party, so don´t worry about it.)

Maybe he went to the party. (There is a possibility that he went to the party, but I doubt it.)

Solution 4:

According to the Cambridge Dictionaries:

Maybe and perhaps are adverbs that mean the same thing. We use them when we think something is possible, but we are not certain. We use maybe mostly in front or end position whereas perhaps is used in front, mid and end position.

A: Have you seen my glasses? I can’t find them anywhere.

B: Maybe you left them at work.

A: Do you think these shoes are too high?

B: They are perhaps. (it’s possible but I’m not certain)

As you perhaps remember, I worked as an interpreter for three years in the European Parliament.

Not: As you maybe remember...

Perhaps is slightly more formal than maybe:

He was, perhaps, a little too smartly dressed for a holidaymaker.

Maybe I’ll finish work early tomorrow and go shopping with you.