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Word Central

could

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

could

Main Entry:: could
Pronunciation:: \kəd, ˈku̇d\
Function:: verbal auxiliary
Etymology:: Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cūthe; akin to Old High German konda could
Date:: 13th century

past of can

—used in auxiliary function in the past <we found we could go>, in the past conditional <we said we would go if we could>, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present <if you could come we would be pleased>

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