if
1in 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.
even though: an enthusiastic if small audience.
whether: He asked if I knew Spanish.
(used to introduce an exclamatory phrase): If only Dad could see me now!
when or whenever: If it was raining, we had to play inside.
a supposition; uncertain possibility: The future is full of ifs.
a condition, requirement, or stipulation: There are too many ifs in his agreement.
Idioms about if
ifs, ands, or buts, reservations, restrictions, or excuses: I want that job finished today, and no ifs, ands, or buts.
Origin of if
1synonym study For if
usage note For if
Words Nearby if
Other definitions for if (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use if in a sentence
It requires that likely answers be anticipated, that elaborate “if/then” scenarios be war-gamed.
if they abused that power, it would be noticed-if not by the press, then by their colleagues, and if noticed, then punished.
Memo: The Aaron Sorkin Model of Political Discourse Doesn't Actually Work | Megan McArdle | April 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTSeems like people in dangerous neighborhoods are braver and trust in God more than people in safer neighborhoods-if you ask me.
That is, when things are going well, no one feels compelled to spend money on a what-if project.
What to Do With the Thousands Displaced by Hurricane Sandy? | Malcolm Jones | November 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAndrew hopes he sees in this division the seeds of a "return to sanity" if/after Romney loses.
Conservative Schism? Not Getting My Hopes Up | Michael Tomasky | September 18, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
if-itty-teshi-mow Jays Haddee ny up-plo-now-shi-buh nays;ha!
The Book of Humorous Verse | VariousIt is a succession of short notes rapidly uttered, as if the bird said "if-if-if-if-if-if-if."
A Year in the Fields | John BurroughsBy all the gods!if he had only known Who held him between life and death upon the Mauvais Pas!
The Sorrows of Satan | Marie CorelliSir S. returned the nod stiffly, with an "I-wonder-if-I-really-do know-you,-or-if-this-is-a-trick-to-claim-acquaintance?"
The Heather-Moon | C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamsonif so, I knew him now for a fiend in very truth!if burning horror and endless shame can so transfigure the soul of man!
The Sorrows of Satan | Marie Corelli
British Dictionary definitions for if (1 of 2)
/ (ɪf) /
in case that, or on condition that: if you try hard it might work; if he were poor, would you marry him?
used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, if approaches the meaning of whether
even though: an attractive if awkward girl
used to introduce expressions of desire, with only: if I had only known
used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc: if this doesn't top everything!
as if as it would be if; as though: he treats me as if I were junior to him
an uncertainty or doubt: the big if is whether our plan will work at all
a condition or stipulation: I won't have any ifs or buts
Origin of if
1British Dictionary definitions for IF (2 of 2)
i.f.
/ electronics /
intermediate frequency
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with if
In addition to the idioms beginning with if
- if anything
- if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
- if it ain't broke don't fix it
- if only
- if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain
- if the shoe fits, wear it
- if wishes were horses
- if worst comes to worst
- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em
- if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
also see:
- 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
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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