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what if. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
what if, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
what if in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
what if you have here. The definition of the word
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what if, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Dates back at least to Old English hwæt ġif, of the same meaning.
Adverb
what if (not comparable)
- Used to introduce a suggestion or proposal for a future event.
- What if we arrange it for 9:00 instead of 10:00?
- Used to introduce a speculation about a future event.
- What if we could learn to get along? What would happen then?
- Used to introduce a speculation about a past event. Often the basis for counterfactual historical interpretations.
- What if Abraham Lincoln had not been assassinated? How might the Reconstruction of the Southern States have been handled?
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
used to introduce suggestion
used to introduce speculation about future
used to introduce speculation about past