if

I. conjunction Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if Date: before 12th century 1. a. in the event that b. allowing that c. on the assumption that d. on condition that 2. whether <

asked if the mail had come

> <

I doubt if I'll pass the course

> 3. — used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish <

if it would only rain

> 4. even though ; although perhaps <

an interesting if untenable argument

> 5. and perhaps not even <

few if any changes are expected

> — often used with not <

difficult if not impossible

> II. noun Date: 1513 1. condition, stipulation <

the question…depends on too many ifs to allow an answer — Encounter

> 2. supposition