Table of Contents
What does may mean in legal terms?
possibility
The word “may” is an expression of possibility, a permissive choice to act or not, and ordinarily implies some degree of discretion. This contrasts with the word “shall,” which is generally used to indicate a mandatory provision.
What is the mean of must?
1a : be commanded or requested to you must stop. b : be urged to : ought by all means to you must read that book. 2 : be compelled by physical necessity to one must eat to live : be required by immediate or future need or purpose to we must hurry to catch the bus.
What is the difference between may and shall?
Well, actually, in modern English they are both considered acceptable. May is a preferred in a formal style or when you want to be more polite. In less formal situations, can is perfectly acceptable. Both can and may are used to ask for permission.
Does may mean have to?
“May” is the older word and has meanings that refer to the ability to do something, the possibility of something, as well as granting permission. “Can” first overlapped with the definition of “the ability to do something,” and later took the “permission” definition as well.
Does may mean mandatory?
a choice to act or not, or a promise of a possibility, as distinguished from “shall,” which makes it imperative. 2) in statutes, and sometimes in contracts, the word “may” must be read in context to determine if it means an act is optional or mandatory, for it may be an imperative.
Is May a must?
May and Must are two words in the English language that are confused when it comes to their usage. The word ‘may’ indicates a lesser possibility. On the other hand the word ‘must’ indicates the meaning of ‘definite’.
Why must you meaning?
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English ( why) must you …? spoken used to tell someone that their behaviour upsets or annoys you Must you spoil everything? Why must you always be so suspicious?
Can must should and May are examples of?
(Use of modal verbs – can, must, will, should, could, may)
What does may be required mean?
1 verb If you require something or if something is required, you need it or it is necessary.
Does may mean optional?
Nonetheless, it’s reasonable to say that “may” means purely optional and does not imply that the writer recommends that option to the reader. “Should” also means optional but implies that the writer recommends and advises the reader to use that option.