if

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

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу
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