If definition
Whether.
Ask if he plans to come to the meeting.
conjunction
On condition that; in case; supposing.
If I come, I'll see him; if I were you, I wouldn't do that.
conjunction
Although; used to introduce a concession.
He was a great friend, if a little stingy at the bar.
conjunction
If is defined as in the event, or on the condition, that something happens.
An example of if is someone saying they'll go to the beach when the sun shines.
conjunction
A possibility, condition, or stipulation.
There will be no ifs, ands, or buts in this matter.
noun
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Whether.
Ask him if he knows her.
conjunction
A supposition or speculation.
noun
(computing) In the event that a statement is true (a programming statement that acts in a similar manner).
If A, then B, else C.
conjunction
Used to introduce an exclamatory clause, indicating a wish.
If they had only come earlier!
conjunction
In the event that.
If I were to go, I would be late.
conjunction
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Granting that.
If that is true, what should we do?
conjunction
On the condition that.
She will play the piano only if she is paid.
conjunction
Supposing that; used with past subjunctive indicating that the condition is not fulfilled.
I'd prefer it if you took your shoes off.
conjunction
Whether; used to introduce a noun clause as the object of certain verbs.
I don't know if I want to go or not.
conjunction
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Although possibly; even though.
It is a handsome if useless trinket.
conjunction
Intermediate frequency.
abbreviation
Though maybe not even.
An athlete with few, if any, peers.
conjunction
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If it rains, I will get wet.
conjunction
Allowing that; granting that.
If she was there, I didn't see her.
conjunction
Even though or though perhaps.
An engaging, if clumsy, story line.
conjunction
A condition or qualification.
A clause filled with ifs.
noun
(baseball) Infield.
abbreviation
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Intermediate frequency.
abbreviation
Origin of if
- Middle English from Old English gif i- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English yif, yef, from Old English ġif, ġef (“if; whether, though”), from Proto-Germanic *jabai (“when, if”), from Proto-Indo-European *e-, *ē- (“then, at that time”). Cognate with Scots gif (“if, whether”), West Frisian oft (“whether”), Dutch of (“or, whether, but”), Middle Low German ef (“if, whether”), German ob (“if, whether”), Icelandic ef, if (“if”).
From Wiktionary