If meaning
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
Used to introduce an exclamatory clause, indicating a wish.
If they had only come earlier!
conjunction
A possibility, condition, or stipulation.
There will be no ifs, ands, or buts in this matter.
noun
Allowing that; granting that.
If she was there, I didn't see her.
conjunction
If it rains, I will get wet.
conjunction
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(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
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
Although possibly; even though.
It is a handsome if useless trinket.
conjunction
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Whether.
Ask if he plans to come to the meeting.
conjunction
Intermediate frequency.
abbreviation
On condition that; in case; supposing.
If I come, I'll see him; if I were you, I wouldn't do that.
conjunction
Even though or though perhaps.
An engaging, if clumsy, story line.
conjunction
Though maybe not even.
An athlete with few, if any, peers.
conjunction
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Whether.
Ask him if he knows her.
conjunction
A supposition or speculation.
noun
A condition or qualification.
A clause filled with ifs.
noun
Infield.
abbreviation
Intermediate frequency.
abbreviation
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Supposing that; used with past subjunctive indicating that the condition is not fulfilled.
I'd prefer it if you took your shoes off.
conjunction
Although; used to introduce a concession.
He was a great friend, if a little stingy at the bar.
conjunction
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