Pronunciation coach
Could
Sounds like
KUUD
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Simple meaning
What does Could mean?
Could means was able to, might, or politely can.
Dictionary definition
used to show past ability, possibility, or a polite request.
Example sentences
Could in a sentence
easy
I could ride a bike when I was six.
medium
It could rain later today.
hard
Could you explain the answer one more time?
Synonyms
Words like Could
was able toUse when could shows past ability.
mightUse when could shows possibility.
Antonyms
Opposite words
could notMeans was not able to or not possible.
cannotMeans not able to in the present.
Word family
Could word family
Base word
could
verb
could
Modal verb showing ability, possibility, or a polite request.
verb
couldn't
Short form of could not.
Related words
Explore related words
Quick practice
Try Could
Practice 1
What can could mean?
Could can show past ability, possibility, or a polite request.
Practice 2
Which word is closest to could when it shows possibility?
Could can mean might when something is possible.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses could correctly?
Could can be used to make a polite request.
Practice this skill
Practice vocabulary in WordHive
Use the dictionary to understand Could, then move into short activities matched to the skills on this page.
Learning paths
- Define the Word Hive for word meanings.
- Synonym Search for word choice.
- Context Clue Challenge for sentence clues.
- Buzz Between for homophones and listening.
- Hive Builder for roots, prefixes, and suffixes.