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 that
2 : 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>