If (?), conj. [OE. if, gif, AS. gif; akin to OFries. ief,
gef, ef, OS. ef, of, D. of, or, whether, if, G. ob whether, if, OHG. oba,
ibu, Icel. ef, Goth. iba,
ibai, an interrogative particle; properly a case form of a noun meaning, doubt (cf. OHG.
iba doubt, condition, Icel. if,
ef, ifi, efi), and therefore orig. meaning,
on condition that.]
1. In
case that; granting, allowing,
or supposing that; -- introducing
a condition or supposition.
Tisiphone, that oft hast heard my prayer,
Assist, if Œdipus deserve thy care.
Pope. If thou be
the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Matt. iv.
3. 2. Whether; --
in dependent
questions.
Uncertain
if by augury or chance.
Dryden.
She doubts if two and
two make four.
Prior. As if, But if. See under As, But.
Hear it pronounced