What does "would" mean in this context?
Man: People are starting to stare. Can you keep your voice down, please?
Woman: Absolutely, we wouldn't want them to think we're not happy.

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Answer

Hi there, 
I assume that the context for this dialogue is that the woman is complaining about something that other people present ('them') have done or failed to do?
If so, then;
'wouldn't want' indicates that the speaker is referring to the possible future consequences (of speaking with a loud voice)
'don't want' indicates that the speaker is referring to the definite present consequences (of speaking with a loud voice)

Note also that this structure is used for irony. So the woman may be contradicting the man, not agreeing with him.

Hope that helps, Helen

Answer

it softens it.

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@necip You're right, I figured it out from the context. But, why didn't she use "don't" instead of "wouldn't"?

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İt means like "dont" in this context

Answers · 4

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