would

verb \wəd, əd, d, ˈwu̇d\

—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

Full Definition of WOULD

past of will

a archaic : wished, desired

b archaic : wish for : want

c (1) : strongly desire : wish <I would I were young again> —often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction <would that I had heeded your advice> (2) —used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference <he would sooner die than face them>

a —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 (Authorized Version)>

c —used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention <said we would come>

—used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action <we would meet often for lunch>

—used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice <would put it off if he could>

a —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 (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) <we wish that he would go>

—used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time <would have won if I had not tripped>

: could <the barrel would hold 20 gallons>

—used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected <would you please help us>

—used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty <the explanation…would seem satisfactory>

: should <knew I would enjoy the trip> <would be glad to know the answer>

See would defined for English-language learners

See would defined for kids

Origin of WOULD

Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WOULD

good, hood, pud, rudd, should, wood, yod

WOULD Defined for Kids

would

verb \wəd, ˈwu̇d\

Definition of WOULD for Kids

past of ¹will

—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.>

—used to describe what someone said, expected, or thought <She said she would help me.> <I thought it would take an hour.>

—used as a politer form of will <Would you please stop?>

: prefers or prefer to <They would die rather than surrender.>

: was or were going to <We wish that you would go.>

: is or are able to : could <No stone would break that window.>

: strongly desire : wish <I would that I were home.>