would-be

[wood-bee]

adjective

1. wishing or pretending to be.

   a would-be wit.

2. intended to be.

   a would-be kindness.

noun

1. a person who wishes or pretends to be something.

   Opera singers and would-bes should practice at least four hours a day.

would-be

adjective

1. derogatory,  wanting or professing to be

   a would-be politician

2. intended to be

   would-be generosity

noun

1. derogatory,  a person who wants or professes to be something that he is not

2. the person to whom one is is engaged to be married; fiancé or fiancée

Word History and Origins

Origin of would-be¹

1250–1300; Middle English (adj.)

Related Words

• budding 
• enterprising 
• potential 
• prospective