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>