This is the 502nd most frequent French word.
pouvait
"Could" (third-person singular imperfect of "pouvoir").
In this sentence, 'pouvait' expresses a past capability or possibility, indicating what someone could have done under certain conditions.
Il pouvait arriver à l'heure, mais il a choisi de partir tard.
He could have arrived on time, but he chose to leave late.
Here, 'pouvait' describes a skill or ability in the past, showcasing someone's capabilities during a specific past time.
Elle pouvait parler trois langues couramment quand elle était jeune.
She could speak three languages fluently when she was young.
In this context, 'pouvait' conveys an observational possibility in the past, presenting what was observable in specific circumstances.