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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of should
Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
SHOULD Defined for Kids
Learn More about should
-
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up should? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!