Want to say could differently? Here are other words for could and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of could
The primary meaning of the word "could" is to express ability or possibility in the past.
Etymology of could
The word "could" is the past tense of the verb "can", which originated from the Old English word "cunnan", meaning "to know" or "to be able"
The word "cunnan" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kunniz", which is also the source of the Modern English word "can"
The word "could" has been used in English since the 9th century to express ability or possibility in the past
Synonyms
can
may
might
shall
should
will
would
be able to
be capable of
be competent to
be qualified to
have the ability to
have the capacity to
have the power to
be in a position to
be strong enough to
be talented enough to
be skilled enough to
be knowledgeable enough to
be experienced enough to
be proficient enough to
be adept enough to
be expert enough to
be fit enough to
be healthy enough to
be rich enough to
be old enough to
be young enough to
Definitions
- Used to express ability or possibility in the past
- Used to express a possibility or ability in a hypothetical or uncertain situation
- Used to make a polite or tentative request
- Used to express a past habit or repeated action
Usage Examples
- I could speak French fluently when I was a child
- She could have been a great singer if she had practiced more
- They could not have done it without our help
- If I had more time, I could finish this project
Antonyms
cannot
can't
may not
might not
shall not
should not
will not
would not
be unable to
be incapable of
be incompetent to
be unqualified to
lack the ability to
lack the capacity to
lack the power to
be too weak to
be too poor to
be too old to
be too young to
be unskilled enough to
be unproficient enough to
be unfit enough to