if

¹if

conjunction \ˈif, əf\

Definition of IF

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>

Origin of IF

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with IF

biff, cliff, diff, glyph, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, riff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph, tiff, whiff