Main Entry: would

Pronunciation: \wəd, əd, d, ˈwu̇d\

Function: verb

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

Date: before 12th century

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>