unless — except if; if not
Part of speech: CONJUNCTION
Definition: except if; if not
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈles/
Example Sentences
- I can't sleep unless I count sheep jumping over my bed.
- Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.
- Don't call me unless it's an emergency or you found pizza.
unless
CONJUNCTION[/ʌnˈles/]
except if; if not
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Formed in the 14th century from the combination of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'less' (fewer), the word originally meant 'not fewer' or 'except when.' This developed into the modern conditional sense of 'except on the condition that' or 'if not.'
Breakdown
un- (not) + less (fewer, lacking). The compound evolved from a literal meaning of 'not less' to function as a conjunction expressing a negative condition or exception.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I can't sleep unless I count sheep jumping over my bed.”
“Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.”
“Don't call me unless it's an emergency or you found pizza.”
“Unless the weather improves, we'll cancel the picnic.”
📚Related Words
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