Main Entry:

¹if

Pronunciation:

\ˈif, əf\

Function:

conjunction

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: in the event that b: allowing that c: on the assumption that d: on condition that2: whether <asked if the mail had come> <I doubt if I'll pass the course>3—used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish <if it would only rain>4: even though : although perhaps <an interesting if untenable argument>5: 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>