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>