Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
peradventure [pur-uh d-ven-cher, per-] ExamplesWord Origin See more synonyms for peradventure on Thesaurus.com noun
- chance, doubt, or uncertainty.
- surmise.
adverb
- Archaic. it may be; maybe; possibly; perhaps.
Origin of peradventure 1250–1300; Middle English per aventure Old French. See per, adventure Related Words for peradventure perhaps, probably, likely, conceivably, hit, risk, advantage, odds, break, future, lot, outcome, maybe, perchance, peradventure, fortuity, occurrence, coincidence, casualty, misfortune Examples from the Web for peradventure Historical Examples of peradventure
Peradventure they be gentlemen of repute, and might hit back.
Rudyard Kipling
The danger is past, and they are safe beyond the possibility of a peradventure.
Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 3, April 16, 1870
Various
“Peradventure the prisoner can explain how he came by the document,” said Justice Hide.
Hall Caine
And would the men, peradventure, be wearing the livery of the House of Santafior?
Raphael Sabatini
The peradventure of that Cassy got before he could utter it.
Edgar Saltus
British Dictionary definitions for peradventure peradventure adverb
- by chance; perhaps
noun
- chance, uncertainty, or doubt
Word Origin for peradventure C13: from Old French par aventure by chance Word Origin and History for peradventure adv.
1620s, from Middle English peraventure (mid-15c.), from per auenture (late 13c.), from Old French par aventure (see adventure). Refashioned as though from Latin.