IF


Meaning of IF in English

conj. & n.

--conj.

1. introducing a conditional clause: a on the condition or supposition that; in the event that (if he comes I will tell him; if you are tired we will rest). b (with past tense) implying that the condition is not fulfilled (if I were you; if I knew I would say).

2 even though (I'll finish it, if it takes me all day).

3 whenever (if I am not sure I ask).

4 whether (see if you can find it).

5 a expressing wish or surprise (if I could just try!; if it isn't my old hat!). b expressing a request (if you wouldn't mind opening the door?).

6 with implied reservation, and perhaps not (very rarely if at all).

7 (with reduction of the protasis to its significant word) if there is or it is etc. (took little if any).

8 despite being (a useful if cumbersome device).

--n. a condition or supposition (too many ifs about it).

Phrases and idioms:

if only

1. even if for no other reason than (I'll come if only to see her).

2 (often ellipt.) an expression of regret (if only I had thought of it; if only I could swim!). if so if that is the case.

Etymology: OE gif

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.