could

could · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Past tense of "can": had the ability to.

  2. 2.

    Expressing possibility.

  3. 3.

    Making a polite request.

  4. 4.

    Expressing conditional ability.

  5. 5.

    Expressing mild criticism.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    could be — it's possible
  • •
    could have — expressing past possibility
  • •
    couldn't care less — completely indifferent
  • •
    could do with — would benefit from
  • •
    if I could — expressing a wish

Related words

Antonyms: could not, couldn't
See also: can, couldn't, might, would
Synonyms: had the ability to, might, was able to

Etymology

From Old English "cuþe," past tense of "cunnan" (to know, to be able).