would Definition

would
auxiliary verb

1. Used: in reported speech, as the past tense of will¹.

Example: said she would leave at 10
2. Used: to indicate willingness, readiness, or ability.

Example: was asked to help, but wouldn't
Example: The radio just would not work
3. Used: to express probability.

Example: They would surely have heard
4. Used: to indicate habitual action.

Example: would always telephone at six
5. Used: to imply that some happening is predictable or unsurprising

Example: ‘She refused, but I suppose she would.'
6. Used: to suggest obstinate resistance to advice.

Example: He would have his own way
7. Used: to express frustration at some happening.

Example: It would rain, just as we're setting out
8. Used: to express the probable outcome of a particular condition.

Example: In your place, I would have told her
9. Used: to make polite invitations, offers or requests

Example: Would you ring her back?
10. Used: to express a desire.

Example: I wish she would stop talking
11. Used: in politely expressing and seeking opinions

Example: I would suggest
Example: Would you not agree?

Idiom: would that ...

old use
If only .... See also should.
Example: Would that I were twenty again

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon wolde, past tense of wyllan.