German word

allenfalls

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈalənˈfals/

Meaning

  • adverbat most

Example

Wir schaffen das allenfalls in zwei Tagen.

We can finish it in two days at most.

Illustration for allenfalls (at most)

More examples

Das kostet allenfalls zehn Euro.

That costs no more than ten euros.

Core concept

A result reaches the far edge of a scale: possible, but with no room beyond that limit.

Common phrases

  • allenfalls zehn Euro

    no more than ten euros

  • allenfalls in Ausnahmefällen

    only in exceptional cases

Similar words

vielleicht: Expresses uncertainty about whether something will happen in casual speech.
eventuell: Presents something as possible in a somewhat formal way.
kaum: Strongly suggests that something will probably not happen.
höchstens: Clearly marks the greatest possible amount or extent.

Definition in German

Ausdrückt, dass etwas höchstens möglich ist und meist eine unsichere, zurückhaltende Einschätzung meint.

Word origin

Allenfalls contains allen, an inflected form of all, and falls, historically related to Fall, 'case'; its meaning developed toward a limit or tentative possibility.

Usage tips

  • Unlike neutral 'moeglicherweise', allenfalls often adds a restrictive or skeptical tone and can approach English 'if at all'.

Other meanings

  • at bestadverb
  • possiblyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word