n.
Pronunciation: ' if, ə f
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>