modal auxiliary

noun

Grammar. any of the group of English auxiliary verbs, including can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, and must, that are used with the base form of another verb to express distinctions of mood.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of modal auxiliary

First recorded in 1930–35

Words nearby modal auxiliary

mod cons, mod., mod. praesc., modacrylic fiber, modal, modal auxiliary, modal logic, modality, modding, mode, model
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020