if

¹

[ if ]

conjunction

1. in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that:

   Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I'll go if you do.

2. even though:

   an enthusiastic if small audience.

3. whether:

   He asked if I knew Spanish.

4. (used to introduce an exclamatory phrase):

   If only Dad could see me now!

5. when or whenever:

   If it was raining, we had to play inside.

noun

1. a supposition; uncertain possibility:

   The future is full of ifs.

2. a condition, requirement, or stipulation:

   There are too many ifs in his agreement.

if

²

or IF

Radio.

1. intermediate frequency.

IF

¹

abbreviation for

1. intermediate frequency

if

²

/ ɪf /

conjunction

1. in case that, or on condition that

   if you try hard it might work

   if he were poor, would you marry him?

2. used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, if approaches the meaning of whether
3. even though

   an attractive if awkward girl

4. 1. used to introduce expressions of desire, with only

      if I had only known

   2. used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc

      if this doesn't top everything!

5. as if
   as it would be if; as though

   he treats me as if I were junior to him

noun

1. an uncertainty or doubt

   the big if is whether our plan will work at all

2. a condition or stipulation

   I won't have any ifs or buts

Usage Note

If meaning “whether,” as in I haven't decided if I'll go, is sometimes criticized, but the usage is long established as standard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of if¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, variant of yif, Old English gif, gef; akin to Old Norse ef “if,” Gothic ibai “whether,” Old High German iba “condition, stipulation”

Word History and Origins

Origin of if¹

Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ifs, ands, or buts, reservations, restrictions, or excuses:

   I want that job finished today, and no ifs, ands, or buts.

More idioms and phrases containing if

• as if
• damned if I do, damned if I don't
• make as if to
• no ifs or buts
• nothing if not
• (if) push comes to shove
• what if

Synonym Study

If, provided, providing imply a condition on which something depends. If is general. It may be used to indicate suppositions or hypothetical conditions (often involving doubt or uncertainty): If you like, we can go straight home. If I had known, I wouldn't have gone. If may mean even though: If I am wrong, you are not right. It may mean whenever: If I do not understand, I ask questions. Provided always indicates some stipulation: I will subscribe ten dollars provided ( on the condition ) that you do, too. Provided he goes, we can go along. Providing means the same as provided, that is, just in case some certain thing should happen: We will buy the house, providing ( provided ) we can get a mortgage.

Example Sentences

It requires that likely answers be anticipated, that elaborate “if/then” scenarios be war-gamed.

From The Daily Beast

If they abused that power, it would be noticed-if not by the press, then by their colleagues, and if noticed, then punished.

From The Daily Beast

Seems like people in dangerous neighborhoods are braver and trust in God more than people in safer neighborhoods-if you ask me.

From The Daily Beast

That is, when things are going well, no one feels compelled to spend money on a what-if project.

From The Daily Beast

Andrew hopes he sees in this division the seeds of a "return to sanity" if/after Romney loses.

From The Daily Beast

If-itty-teshi-mow Jays Haddee ny up-plo-now-shi-buh nays;ha!

From Project Gutenberg

It is a succession of short notes rapidly uttered, as if the bird said "if-if-if-if-if-if-if."

From Project Gutenberg

By all the gods!if he had only known Who held him between life and death upon the Mauvais Pas!

From Project Gutenberg

Sir S. returned the nod stiffly, with an "I-wonder-if-I-really-do know-you,-or-if-this-is-a-trick-to-claim-acquaintance?"

From Project Gutenberg

If so, I knew him now for a fiend in very truth!if burning horror and endless shame can so transfigure the soul of man!

From Project Gutenberg