I. ˈif, əf 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
II. ˈif noun
Date: 1513
1. : condition , stipulation
the question…depends on too many if s to allow an answer — Encounter
2. : supposition