if only Definition

if
conj

1. In the event that; on condition that; supposing that.

Example: I'll go if he asks me to
2. Although; even though.

Example: It was very enjoyable, if overpriced
3. Whenever.

Example: She jumps if the phone rings
4. Whether.

Example: I wonder if he knows
5. Used to express a wish

Example: If only it would stop raining!
Form: if only (usually)
6. Used to make a polite request or suggestion.

Example: if you wouldn't mind stopping just a minute
7. Used in exclamations, to express surprise or annoyance

Example: Well, if it isn't that book I'd thought I'd lost!

noun

1. A condition or supposition.

Example: too many ifs and buts
2. An uncertainty.

Idiom: if anything

Perhaps; on the contrary.

Idiom: if only

See sense 5 above.

Idiom: if only to do something

If for no other reason than to do it.
Example: I'll be there, if only to give her moral support

Idiom: if you like

To say it another way.

If you want or approve.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon gif.

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only
adj

1. Without any others of the same type.

Thesaurus: lone, sole, single, exclusive, unique, individual.
2. Said of someone: having no brothers or sisters.
3. colloq
Best.
Example: Flying is the only way to travel

adverb

1. Not more than; just.

Thesaurus: just, merely, barely, hardly.
2. Alone; solely.

Thesaurus: exclusively, solely; individually, singly.
3. Not longer ago than; not until.

Example: only a minute ago
4. Merely; with no other result than.

Example: I arrived only to find he had already left

conj

1. But; however.

Example: Come if you want to, only don't complain if you're bored
2. If it were not for the fact that.

Example: I'd come too, only I know I'd slow you down

Idiom: if only

I wish.
Example: If only you could be on time for once

Idiom: only too

Very; extremely.
Example: only too ready to help

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon anlic.