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if

Flag: gbEnglishMerriam-Webster Dictionary
if
conjunction
ˈif əf

Definition (Entry 1 of 2)

  • in the event that
    allowing that
    on the assumption that
    on condition that
  • whether //asked if the mail had come //I doubt if I'll pass the course
  • —used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish //if it would only rain
  • even though although perhaps //an interesting if untenable argument
  • and perhaps not even //few if any changes are expected —often used with not //difficult if not impossible
  • if ​anything
    on the contrary even perhaps even //if anything, you ought to apologize
noun
ˈif

Definition (Entry 2 of 2)

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Noun
assumption given hypothetical postulate premise (also premiss) presumption presupposition supposition
Examples
Noun
  • //There are too many ifs in this proposal.
  • //your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
First Known Use
Conjunction
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1
History and Etymology
Conjunction
Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if
if
noun

Synonyms

if
conjunction
ˈif əf

Definition (Entry 1 of 2)

  • in the event that
    allowing that
    on the assumption that
    on condition that
  • whether //asked if the mail had come //I doubt if I'll pass the course
  • —used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish //if it would only rain
  • even though although perhaps //an interesting if untenable argument
  • and perhaps not even //few if any changes are expected —often used with not //difficult if not impossible
  • if ​anything
    on the contrary even perhaps even //if anything, you ought to apologize
noun
ˈif

Definition (Entry 2 of 2)

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Noun
assumption given hypothetical postulate premise (also premiss) presumption presupposition supposition
Examples
Noun
  • //There are too many ifs in this proposal.
  • //your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
First Known Use
Conjunction
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1
History and Etymology
Conjunction
Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if
if
noun

Synonyms

if
conjunction
ˈif əf

Definition (Entry 1 of 2)

  • in the event that
    allowing that
    on the assumption that
    on condition that
  • whether //asked if the mail had come //I doubt if I'll pass the course
  • —used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish //if it would only rain
  • even though although perhaps //an interesting if untenable argument
  • and perhaps not even //few if any changes are expected —often used with not //difficult if not impossible
  • if ​anything
    on the contrary even perhaps even //if anything, you ought to apologize
noun
ˈif

Definition (Entry 2 of 2)

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Noun
assumption given hypothetical postulate premise (also premiss) presumption presupposition supposition
Examples
Noun
  • //There are too many ifs in this proposal.
  • //your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
First Known Use
Conjunction
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1
History and Etymology
Conjunction
Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if
if
noun

Synonyms