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would-be

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adjective \ ˈwu̇d-ˈbē \

Definition of would-be

disparaging
:desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be
  • a would-be actor

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WOULD-BE Defined for English Language Learners

would-be

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adjective

Definition of would-be for English Language Learners

  • —used to describe someone who hopes to be a particular person or type of person

Learn More about would-be

  1. See words that rhyme with would-be Nglish: Translation of would-be for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of would-be for Arabic speakers

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