■ conjunction
1》 introducing a conditional clause:
↘on the condition or supposition that.
↘(with past tense) introducing a hypothetical situation.
↘every time.
2》 despite the possibility that.
↘despite being.
3》 whether.
4》 expressing a polite request or tentative opinion.
5》 expressing surprise or regret.
■ noun a condition or supposition.
Phrases
~ and only ~ used to introduce a condition which is necessary as well as sufficient.
~ anything used to suggest tentatively that something may be the case.
~ not perhaps even (used to introduce a more extreme term than one first mentioned).
~ only even ~ for no other reason than.
~ so ~ that is the case.
Origin
OE g~ , of Gmc origin.