American English
/ðeɪd̚/
One syllable.
Short form of they had, used mainly before a past participle for an earlier past action, and in they'd better to give advice.
Practice out loudShort form of they had, used mainly before a past participle for an earlier past action, and in they'd better to give advice.
They'd already left.
Here they'd means they had. In they'd better, it means they had better.
they'd already finished · they'd better leave
Short form of they would, used for hypothetical or conditional actions, wishes and preferences, future actions viewed from the past, or repeated past actions.
They'd help if they could.
Here they'd means they would. The context shows whether it expresses a condition, preference, future in the past, or a repeated past action.
they'd like to · they'd rather