[if] conj [ME, fr. OE gif; akin to OHG ibu if] (bef. 12c) 1 a: in the event that b: allowing that c: on the assumption that d: on condition that
2: whether "asked ~ the mail had come" "I doubt ~ I'll pass the course" 3--used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish "~ it would only rain"
4: even though "an interesting ~ untenable argument" -- if anything : on the contrary even: perhaps even "if anything, you ought to apologize"
[2]if n (1513) 1: condition, stipulation "the question ... depends on too many ~s to allow an answer --Encounter"
2: supposition