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would
- 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 will1 aarchaic : wished, desired barchaic : 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>
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