Meaning

• 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.