ALL meanings of could
could
C c - modal verb could In speech, you use how could in questions to emphasize that you feel strongly about something bad that has happened. 3
- convention could You say 'I couldn't' to refuse an offer of more food or drink. 3
- verb could used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action 3
- verb could used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility 3
- abbreviation COULD can1 3
- auxiliary verb could used as a modal auxiliary in verbal phrases with present or future time reference, generally equivalent to can1 in meaning and use, with the following functions: 3
- auxiliary verb could expressing esp. a shade of doubt or a smaller degree of ability or possibility 3
- auxiliary verb could expressing permission 3
- auxiliary verb could forming the present conditional 3
- auxiliary verb could forming the past conditional 3
- auxiliary verb could expressing or suggesting politely less certainty than can1 3
- modal verb could You use could to indicate that someone had the ability to do something. You use could not or couldn't to say that someone was unable to do something. 3
- modal verb could You use could to indicate that something sometimes happened. 3
- modal verb could You use could have to indicate that something was a possibility in the past, although it did not actually happen. 3
- modal verb could You use could to indicate that something is possibly true, or that it may possibly happen. 3
- modal verb could You use could not or couldn't to indicate that it is not possible that something is true. 3
- modal verb could You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. 3
- modal verb could You use could when you are saying that one thing or situation resembles another. 3
- modal verb could You use could, or couldn't in questions, when you are making offers and suggestions. 3
- modal verb could You use could in questions when you are making a polite request or asking for permission to do something. Speakers sometimes use couldn't instead of 'could' to show that they realize that their request may be refused. 3
- modal verb could People sometimes use structures with if I could or could I as polite ways of interrupting someone or of introducing what they are going to say next. 3
- modal verb could You use could to say emphatically that someone ought to do the thing mentioned, especially when you are annoyed because they have not done it. You use why couldn't in questions to express your surprise or annoyance that someone has not done something. 3
- modal verb could You use could when you are expressing strong feelings about something by saying that you feel as if you want to do the thing mentioned, although you do not do it. 3
- modal verb could You use could after 'if' when talking about something that you do not have the ability or opportunity to do, but which you are imagining in order to consider what the likely consequences might be. 3
- modal verb could You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality. For example, if you say 'I couldn't be happier', you mean that you are extremely happy. 3
- noun could Used to indicate possibility. 1
- noun could past tense of can 1
- auxiliary verb could polite request 1
- auxiliary verb could ability 1
- auxiliary verb could possibility 1
- auxiliary verb could polite suggestion 1
- verb could a simple past tense of can1 . 1
- noun could a sealed container for food, beverages, etc., as of aluminum, sheet iron coated with tin, or other metal: a can of soup. 1
- noun could a receptacle for garbage, ashes, etc.: a trash can. 1
- noun could a bucket, pail, or other container for holding or carrying liquids: water can. 1
- noun could a drinking cup; tankard. 1
- noun could a metal or plastic container for holding film on cores or reels. 1
- noun could Slang: Usually Vulgar. toilet; bathroom. 1
- noun could Slang. jail: He's been in the can for a week. 1
- noun could Slang: Sometimes Vulgar. buttocks. 1
- noun could cans, Slang. a set of headphones designed to cover the ears. Compare earbuds. 1
- noun could Military Slang. a depth charge. a destroyer. 1
- verb with object could to preserve by sealing in a can, jar, etc. 1
- verb with object could Slang. to dismiss; fire. 1
- verb with object could Slang. to throw (something) away. 1
- verb with object could Slang. to put a stop to: Can that noise! 1
- verb with object could to record, as on film or tape. 1
- idioms could carry the can, British and Canadian Slang. to take the responsibility. 1
- idioms could in the can, recorded on film; completed: The movie is in the can and ready for release. 1
- verb could simple past tense of can. 0