would 2[wohld] noun
British Dictionary definitions for would’s would verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive)
- used as an auxiliary to form the past tense or subjunctive mood of will 1
- (with you, he, she, it, they, or a noun as subject) used as an auxiliary to indicate willingness or desire in a polite mannerwould you help me, please?
- used as an auxiliary to describe a past action as being accustomed or habitualevery day we would go for walks
- I wishwould that he were here
xref See should Word Origin and History for would’s would
Old English wolde, past tense of willan “to will” (see will (v.)). Would-be (adj.) “wishing, pretending” is first recorded c.1300.
Idioms and Phrases with would’s would
In addition to the idioms beginning with would
also see:
Also see underwouldn’t.