would

1. past of will¹, in various senses.

   he said he would be away for a couple of days

   she wouldn't leave

   the windows would not close

2. (expressing the conditional mood) indicating the consequence of an imagined event or situation.

   he would lose his job if he were identified

3. expressing a desire or inclination.

   I would love to work in America

   would you like some water?

4. expressing a polite request.

   would you pour the wine, please?

5. expressing a conjecture, opinion, or hope.

   I would imagine that they're home by now

   I guess some people would consider it brutal

   I would have to agree

6. used to make a comment about behaviour that is typical.

   they would say that, wouldn't they?

7. expressing a wish or regret.

   would that he had lived to finish it

Old English wolde, past of wyllan (see will¹).