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IF NOT
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I. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Perhaps; indicating possibility of being more remarkable (greater or better or sooner) than
Example:
let's meet tonight if not sooner
Classified under:
Context examples:
"For my part, I am content in knowing I am as brave as any beast that ever lived, if not braver," said the Lion modestly.
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
And what did you detect, if not gratitude?
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
A new model on how stars are formed has added weight to the hypothesis that most – if not all – stars are born in a litter with at least one sibling.
(Our Sun Could Have Been Born With an Evil Twin Called "Nemesis", The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
If not, it will reach London on the very day that I do.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
If not, there’s no harm done.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
If not treated, these abnormal cells may become cancer and spread to nearby normal tissue.
(Cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia 3, NCI Dictionary)
She was quite convinced of Mr. Elton's being in the fairest way of falling in love, if not in love already.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
(Gum Disease, NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
If not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems.
(GERD, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
If not, it shall never be seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or dead, shall be safe with us.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
