could Definition and Meaning in English (could definition)

verb
Synonyms:mightwas able tomanaged to
Quick Answer • Definition

Could definition: "Could" is used to express a past ability or capability, indicating that someone was able to do something.

Definitions of Could

  1. 1verb

    "Could" is used to express a past ability or capability, indicating that someone was able to do something.

  2. 2verb

    "Could" can also be used to suggest a possibility or a potential action in the present or future.

  3. 3verb(formal)

    "Could" is often used to make a polite request or to ask for permission in a more formal way than "can".

Example Sentences

casual

“She could run very fast when she was younger.”

casual

“We could go to the park later if the weather improves.”

casual

“Could you please pass me the salt?”

Synonyms

mightwas able tomanaged to

Antonyms

couldn'twas unable tofailed to

Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions

could haveexpression

Used to express a past possibility that did not happen, or a missed opportunity.

could do withphrasal_verb

To need or want something.

couldn't care lessidiom

To not care at all about something.

Frequently Asked Questions: Could in English

What is the meaning of Could in English?▼
Could definition: "Could" is used to express a past ability or capability, indicating that someone was able to do something.
How do you translate 'Could' to English?▼
'Could' translates to 'could' in English. Could definition: "Could" is used to express a past ability or capability, indicating that someone was able to do something.
How do you pronounce 'Could' and 'could'?▼
Listen to clear English audio pronunciation of 'Could' and native English audio speech for 'could' with bilingual sentence examples on DictBridge.

Related Vocabulary in English

All Words →

Explore contextually related English vocabulary with verified English meanings, pronunciations, and sentence usages: