could

auxiliary verb

kəd, 

ˈku̇d 

past tense 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.

Examples of could in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Should the knee be required to be drained, that could diminish such immediate interest. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2023

That could put the property on track to surpass numbers for 2022, its best year since opening in 2017. — Blane Bachelor, CNN, 4 Feb. 2023

Animals that were trapped inside a barn during a fire in Prospect could not be saved, despite efforts by rescuers and bystanders, fire officials said. — Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2023

Hassen used the opportunity to suggest that the model could be replicated, perhaps to help inner city youth, with help from the federal government. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cūthe; akin to Old High German konda could

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for could

• good
• should
• stood
• would
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood

Kids Definition

could

kəd 

(ˈ)ku̇d

past of can

—used as a helping verb in the past

we found we could go

we said we would go if we could

and as a polite or less forceful alternative to can

could you do this for me