If — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

conjunction noun /ˈif/

Meaning & Definition of If

If (conjunction)

  1. in the event that
  2. allowing that
  3. on the assumption that

If (noun)

  1. condition, stipulation
  2. supposition

If (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning

    "your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs"

    similar: assumption, given, hypothetical, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition
    related: hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit

  2. something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends

    "there are a number of ifs in the proposal"

    similar: condition, contingency, provision, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation
    related: strings, terms, precondition, prerequisite, requirement, requisite, limitation, modification, restriction, exception, exemption, demand, essential, must, necessity, need

Related Entry: If anything (phrase)

If anything is a different word from If. The synonyms below are for if anything, not for if.

  1. just the opposite being true

    "We definitely won't arrive early. If anything, we'll likely be late."

    similar: again, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely, on the contrary, to the contrary
    near: even, indeed, nay, true, truly, verily, yea

Related Entry: As if (conjunction)

As if is a different word from If. The synonyms below are for as if, not for if.

  1. the way it would be or one would do if

    "she looked as if she wanted to ask one more question before we left"

    similar: as, as though, like

Related Entry: Will (verb)

Will is a different word from If. The synonyms below are for will, not for if.

  1. to give by means of a will

    "willed their house to their adult children"

    similar: bequeath, leave
    related: deed, hand down, hand on, pass (down), devise

  2. to see fit

    "do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair"

    similar: choose, like, please, want, wish
    related: ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for If

The most common words with a similar meaning to If:

assumption, given, hypothetical, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition, condition, contingency, provision, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation

Related Words for If

hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit

Origin & Etymology of If

Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for If

Words & Phrases Containing If

if anything, if you will, if (at all) possible, if he/she is day, if I may/might say so, if I may say so, if I say so myself, if it ain't broke, don't fix it

Frequently Asked Questions about If

What does "If" mean?

"If" means in the event that. As an a conjunction and a noun, it is defined as: in the event that. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "If"?

Other words for "If" include assumption, given, hypothetical, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition and supposition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "If" you intend.

What are different ways to say "If"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "If". Common alternatives include assumption, given, hypothetical, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition, condition and contingency.

How do you use "If" in a sentence?

Examples of "If" in a sentence: "your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs"; "there are a number of ifs in the proposal".

Is "If" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"If" can be used as a conjunction and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "If" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "If" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "If"?

"If" is pronounced /ˈif/.

What is the origin of the word "If"?

"If" comes from Middle English, from Old English gif; akin to Old High German ibu if. First known use: before 12th century.