Would

глагол 1) вспомогательный глагол; используется для образования будущего в прошедшем во 2 и 3 лице Например: He told us he would come. — Он сказал нам, что придёт. 2) вспомогательный глагол; используется для образования условного наклонения Например: I would have won if I had not tripped. — Я бы выиграл, если бы не споткнулся. 3) служебный глагол, выражающий привычное действие, относящееся к прошедшему Например: We would meet often for lunch. — Мы, бывало, часто вместе обедали. 4) модальный глагол, выражающий: а) настойчивость Например: He would do it. — Он непременно хотел это сделать. б) желание Например: I would I were young again. — Хотел бы я снова стать молодым. He wouldn't say where he had picked up the information. — Он ни за что не хотел говорить, откуда он это узнал. в) вероятность Например: That would be her cat. — Это, вероятно, её кошка. г) вежливую просьбу Например: Would you please help us. — Не могли бы вы помочь нам. д) предпочтение Например: He would sooner die than face them. — Он скорее умрёт, чем встретится с ними лицом к лицу.

Большой англо-русский словарь

Would

verb, past of will Etymology: Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired 1. a. archaic wished, desired b. archaic wish for; want c. (1) strongly desire; wish Example: I would I were young again — often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction Example: would that I had heeded your advice (2) — used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference Example: he would sooner die than face them 2. a. — used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent Example: those who would forbid gambling b. — used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference Example: as ye would that men should do to you — Luke 6:31 (Authorized Version) c. — used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention Example: said we would come 3. — used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action Example: we would meet often for lunch 4. — used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice Example: would put it off if he could 5. a. — used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility Example: if he were coming, he would be here now b. — used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) Example: we wish that he would go 6. — used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time Example: would have won if I had not tripped 7. could Example: the barrel would hold 20 gallons 8. — used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected Example: would you please help us 9. — used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty Example: the explanation…would seem satisfactory 10. should Example: knew I would enjoy the trip Example: would be glad to know the answer

Энциклопедический словарь Мерриама-Вебстера