be that as it may Definition

be
verb, intr been, being, am (present tense), are, is, was (past tense), were

1. To exist or live.

Example: I think, therefore I am
Thesaurus: live, exist, endure, persist, subsist, breathe, abide, survive; Antonym: die, stop, disappear.
2. To occur or take place.

Example: Lunch is in an hour
Thesaurus: happen, occur, transpire, take place, come about.
3. To occupy a position in space.

Example: She is at home
4. To go.

Example: He's never been to Italy
5. To remain or continue without change.

Example: Let it be
6. (as a copula) used to link a subject and what is said about it.

Example: She is a doctor
Example: He is ill
7. Used with the infinitive form of a verb to express a possibility, command, intention, outcome, etc.

Example: if it were to rain
Example: We are to come tomorrow
Example: It was not to be

auxiliary verb

1. Used with a past participle to form a passive construction.

Example: The film was shown last night
2. Used with a present participle to form the progressive tenses.

Example: He was running

Idiom: be someone

To suit them
Example: That hat really isn't her.

Idiom: be that as it may

Although that may be true.

Idiom: the be-all and end-all

The only important issue or overriding aim.

Etymology: From Anglo-Saxon beon to live or exist, and Anglo-Saxon weran to be.

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may¹
auxiliary verb might (past tense)

1. Used to express permission.

Example: You may go now
2. Used to express a possibility.

Example: I may come with you if I get this finished
Form: may well (sometimes)
3. Used to express an offer

Example: May I help you?
4. formal
Used to express a wish
Example: May you prosper!
5. formal & old use
Used to express purpose or result.
Example: Listen, so that you may learn
6. affected, old use or facetious
Used to express a question
Example: And who may you be?
7. Used to express the idea of ‘although'. See also might¹.

Example: You may be rich, but you're not happy

Idiom: be that as it may

In spite of that.

Idiom: come what may

Whatever happens.

Idiom: may I add

Used to introduce an additional point.

Idiom: may I ask

often ironic
Used before or after a question.

Idiom: That's as may be

That may be so.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon mæg, present tense of magan to be able.

Info:

See Usage Note at can.