could
could Lexical Profile
could Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To have had the ability, capacity, or permission to do something in the past (used as the past tense of 'can').
"When she was younger, she could run five miles without stopping."
To indicate that something is a present, future, or hypothetical possibility or contingency (used as a modal auxiliary).
"The weather forecast says it could rain later this afternoon."
To make a polite request, offer, or suggestion (used as a modal auxiliary in questions and statements).
"Could you please pass me the salt from the other end of the table?"
To feel a strong inclination or impulse to do something (used as a modal auxiliary for emphasis).
"I am so happy about the exam results that I could dance for joy."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a defective modal auxiliary verb, 'could' lacks an infinitive, participles, and a third-person singular '-s' ending, and must be followed by a bare infinitive (e.g., 'she could go'). Although historically the past tense of 'can', it frequently refers to present or future possibility, polite requests, or hypothetical conditions rather than past time.
• Rhymes for could
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cūþe', the past tense of 'cunnan' (to know how to, be able). The unpronounced 'l' was inserted in the 16th century by false analogy with 'would' and 'should', where the 'l' was etymologically original.