would
verb
\ wəd, əd, d, ˈwu̇d
\
\
Definition of would
past tense of will
1
—used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention said we would come
2
: should
knew I would enjoy the trip would be glad to know the answer
3
—used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice would put it off if he could
4
—used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time would have won if I had not tripped
5
—used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected would you please help us
6
—used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference he would sooner die than face them
7a
—used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility if he were coming, he would be here now
b
—used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (such as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) we wish that he would go
8
—used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action we would meet often for lunch
9
: could
the barrel would hold 20 gallons
10
—used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty the explanation … would seem satisfactory
11a
—used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent those who would forbid gambling
b
—used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference as ye would that men should do to you — Luke 6:31 (King James Version)
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More Definitions for would
would
verb
English Language Learners Definition of would
—used to indicate what someone said or thought about what was going to happen or be done
—used to talk about a possible situation that has not happened or that you are imagining
—used with have to talk about something that did not happen or was not done
See the full definition for would in the English Language Learners Dictionary
would
verb
\ wəd
, ˈwu̇d\
, ˈwu̇d\
Kids Definition of would
past tense of will
1
—used as a helping verb to show that something might be likely or meant to happen under certain conditions They would come if they could.If I were you, I would save my money.
2
—used to describe what someone said, expected, or thought She said she would help me.I thought it would take an hour.
3
—used as a politer form of will Would you please stop?
4
: prefers or prefer to
They would die rather than surrender.
5
: was or were going to
We wish that you would go.
6
: is or are able to : could
No stone would break that window.
7
: strongly desire : wish
I would that I were home.
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