WOULD


Meaning of WOULD in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ wəd, əd, d, ˈwu̇d ]

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 — Luke 6:31 (Authorized Version)

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.