could

Etymology
From, , , from , past indicative and past subjunctive form of (compare related , whence English ). The 'l' was added in the early 16th century by analogy with should and would; this was probably helped by the tendency for 'l' to be lost in those words (and so not written, leading to shudd, wode, etc).

Verb

 * Before I was blind, I could see very well.
 * I think he could do it if he really wanted to.
 * I wish I could fly!
 * I think he could do it if he really wanted to.
 * I wish I could fly!
 * I wish I could fly!

Usage notes

 * Some speakers and writers consider it wrong to use could to refer to permission. Such people favor replacing it with might, just as they favor replacing can with may when referring to permission.

Noun

 * 1) Something that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.