Could

verb

Word Frequency: 23.2

Definitions

1.verb(auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

"She can speak English, French, and German. I can play football. Can you remember your fifth birthday?"

2.verb(modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

"You can go outside and play when you're finished with your homework. Can I use your pen?"

3.verb(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have the potential to; be possible.

"Animals can experience emotions."

4.verb(auxiliary verb, defective) Used with verbs of perception.

"Can you hear that?."

5.verbTo know.

6.nounSomething that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.

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