modal
/ˈməudl; `modl/ n
(also modal verb, modal au`xiliary, modal au`xiliary verb) (grammar) verb that is used with another verb (not a modal) to express possibility, permission, obligation, etc 情态动词
`Can', `may', `might', `must' and `should' are all modals. can may might must should都是情态动词. modal, adj [usu attrib 通常作定语]
1 (grammar) of a modal 情态动词的.
2 relating to mode or manner, in contrast to substance 形式的, 形态的, 方式的（与实质相对）.