would

Definitions


[wʊd], (Verb)

Definitions:

- (expressing the conditional mood) indicating the consequence of an imagined event or situation
(e.g: he would lose his job if he were identified)

- expressing a desire or inclination
(e.g: I would love to work in America)

- expressing a polite request
(e.g: would you pour the wine, please?)

- expressing a conjecture, opinion, or hope
(e.g: I would imagine that they're home by now)

- used to make a comment about behaviour that is typical
(e.g: they would say that, wouldn't they?)

- expressing a wish or regret
(e.g: would that he had lived to finish it)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English wolde, past of wyllan (see will)




definition by Oxford Dictionaries