Definition of should
past tense of shall
1 —used in auxiliary function to express condition if he should leave his father, his father would die — Genesis 44:22 (Revised Standard Version)
2 —used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency 'tis commanded I should do so — William Shakespeare this is as it should be — H. L. Savage you should brush your teeth after each meal
3 —used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise — Ellen Glasgow
4 —used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected with an early start, they should be here by noon
5 —used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement I should suggest that a guide … is the first essential — L. D. Reddick
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Origin and Etymology of should
Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
First Known Use: before 12th century
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See words that rhyme with should Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for should Spanish Central: Translation of should Nglish: Translation of should for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of should for Arabic speakers
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