would

would

verb \wəd, əd, d, ˈwu̇d\

Definition of WOULD

past of will

1

a archaic : wished, desired

b archaic : wish for : want

c (1) : strongly desire : wish <I would I were young again> —often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction <would that I had heeded your advice> (2) —used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference <he would sooner die than face them>

2

a —used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent <those who would forbid gambling>

b —used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference <as ye would that men should do to you — Luke 6:31 (Authorized Version)>

c —used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention <said we would come>

3

—used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action <we would meet often for lunch>

4

—used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice <would put it off if he could>

5

a —used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility <if he were coming, he would be here now>

b —used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) <we wish that he would go>

6

—used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time <would have won if I had not tripped>

7

: could <the barrel would hold 20 gallons>

8

—used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected <would you please help us>

9

—used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty <the explanation…would seem satisfactory>

10

: should <knew I would enjoy the trip> <would be glad to know the answer>

Origin of WOULD

Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WOULD

good, hood, pud, rudd, should, wood, yod