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

²if

noun \ˈif\

Definition of IF

1

: condition, stipulation <the question … depends on too many ifs to allow an answer — Encounter>

2

: supposition

Examples of IF

1. There are too many ifs in this proposal.
2. <your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs>

First Known Use of IF

1513

Related to IF

Synonyms

given, hypothetical, assumption, postulate, premise (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, supposition

Related Words

hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis; axiom, truism, verity; belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law; precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet; basis, foundation, ground; conclusion, deduction, inference; affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration; dictum, ipse dixit