Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

if only

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.96 in modern English

Syllables: if on-ly
IPA

12

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

conj

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see if, only.

conj

I wish that; would (that) (archaic). Signifies a wish or desire for the present or the future.

conj

I wish that; would (that) (archaic). Signifies a regret about an action in the past.

conj

Even if for no other reason than; only just.

conj

Signifies a hypothetical or wishful precondition, or one which would be simple but is nonetheless unlikely, for a hypothetical, counterfactual, or future outcome.

Example Sentences

"It made me feel better, if only for a moment."
"It won't be much fun if only guys turn up to the party."
"If only I could win the lottery."
"My gambling ex could come to his senses, if only."
"If only I had listened to my parents."
"We didn't have that luxury. If only!"

Synonyms

that

Antonyms

God forbid

Questions

What does if only mean?: Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see if, only.

How to pronounce if only

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “if only”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “if only” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.