could
auxiliary verbTo save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of could
past tense of can
—used in auxiliary function in the pastWe found we could go. , in the past conditionalWe said we would go if we could. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the presentIf you could come, we would be pleased.
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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Time Traveler for could
The first known use of could was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century