could
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\ kəd, ˈku̇d 
\
\Definition of could
past tense of can
—used in auxiliary function in the pastWe found we could go. , in the past conditionalWe 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 presentIf you could come, we would be pleased.
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More Definitions for could
could
\ kəd , ˈku̇d \
, ˈku̇d \Kids Definition of could
past tense of can
1 —used as a helping verb in the pastHer daughter could read at the age of five.
2 —used as a polite form instead of canCould you help me?
3 —used to say something is possibleYou could win.You could have been hurt.
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Time Traveler for could
The first known use of could was in the 13th century
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