could
auxiliary verbDefinition of could
past tense 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.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for could
The first known use of could was in the 13th century
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