v.
Pronunciation: w ə d, ə d, d, ' wu ̇ d
Function: verb
past of will
Etymology: Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired
Date: before 12th century
1 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>
2 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 ― Lk 6:31 (AV)> c ― used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention <said we would come>
3 ― used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action <we would meet often for lunch>
4 ― used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice < would put it off if he could>
5 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>
6 ― used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time < would have won if I had not tripped>
7 : COULD <the barrel would hold 20 gallons>
8 ― used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected < would you please help us>
9 ― used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty <the explanation ⋯ would seem satisfactory>
10 : SHOULD <knew I would enjoy the trip> < would be glad to know the answer>