First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
should
verbal auxiliary \shəd, ˈshu̇d\
Definition of SHOULD
past 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 — 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 of SHOULD
Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
SHOULD Defined for Kids
should
\shəd, ˈshu̇d\
Definition of SHOULD for Kids
past of shall
1
: ought to <They should be here soon.>
2
: happen to <If you should see them, say hello for me.>
3
—used as a more polite or less assured form of shall <Should I turn the light out?>
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