would

Would is used to indicate what could potentially happen in the future or when giving advice or when making a request.

(verb)

An example of would is when you might get a good grade if you study.
An example of would is when you ask someone to pass the carrots.
An example of would is when you tell someone that your action in rain is to bring an umbrella.

See would in Webster's New World College Dictionary

auxiliary verb

will: she said she would be finished before six, in those days we would talk for hours on end
used to express a supposition or condition: he would write if he knew you would answer; I wouldn't do that for anything
used to make a very polite or formal request: would you please open the window?

Origin: ME wolde < OE, pt. of willan, to wish, will

transitive verb

Old Poet. if only; I wish: would that she were here

See would in American Heritage Dictionary 4

aux.v. Past tense of will²

Used to express desire or intent: She said she would meet us at the corner.
Used to express a wish: Would that we had gone with you!
Used after a statement of desire, request, or advice: I wish you would stay.
Used to make a polite request: Would you go with me?
Used in the main clause of a conditional statement to express a possibility or likelihood: If I had enough money, I would buy a car. We would have gone to the beach, had the weather been good. See Usage Note at if.
Used to express presumption or expectation: That would be Steve at the door.
Used to indicate uncertainty: He would seem to be getting better.
Used to express repeated or habitual action in the past: Every morning we would walk in the garden.