Would definition

We would be warmer if you hadn't opened the window!

Bill said he would go if it weren't raining.
1. We didn't know it yet, but those would be his last words.
  
  We sat on the bench, wondering if the bus would be late this time.
  
  The waiter said he would be right back.
2. In the winters, we would sit by the hole on the frozen lake and fish for hours.
Would you please turn off the TV?

To wish, to desire; ; .

I would I could believe.

1843, G. H. Barlow, "Concluding Remarks of the Introductory Address Delivered at Guy's Hospital, at the Commencement of the Medical Session, 1843 44", in Thomas Wakley (editor), The Lancet for 1843-1844, Volume I, John Churchill (printer), page 242:

I would, indeed, if it were possible, that you were each of you conversant with the whole world of natural science, finding yourself at home and at ease in every region; but I would that you were so in order to be chiefs in your own particular province.

1974, United States, Congress, Committee on the Judiciary, House - Watergate Affair, 1972-1974, Statement of Information: Hearings Before the Committee on the Judiciary, page 133:

the President said there would be no difficulty about raising the money and you say the only difference in the tape is that the President also added that but that would be wrong.

As an auxiliary verb, is followed by the bare infinitive (without ):

John said he would have fish for dinner.
Historically, is the past tense of , and this may still be seen in some of its uses. is frequently contracted to , especially after a pronoun (as in , , and so on).
Indicating a wish, takes a clause in the past subjunctive (irrealis) mood; this clause may or not be introduced with . A call to a deity or other higher power is sometimes interposed after and before this clause, as in Would to God that ; see the citations page for examples.

(indicating an action in the past that happened repeatedly or commonly): used to
(used to express a polite request): be so good as to, kindly, please