[woo
d-bee] 
| 1. | wishing or pretending to be: a would-be wit. |
| 2. | intended to be: a would-be kindness. |
| 3. | a person who wishes or pretends to be something: Opera singers and would-bes should practice at least four hours a day. |
| would-be (wŏŏd'bē') adj. Desiring, attempting, or professing to be: "Would-be home buyers will have a somewhat easier time getting loans" (Wall Street Journal). |