Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Unless

//ənˈlɛs// conj

Definitions

Conjunction

1
Except on a specified condition; if not.
"I’m leaving unless I get a pay rise."
2
If not; used with counterfactual conditionals.
"Who would know of Alexander or Caesar, or would respect the Stoics or the Peripatetics, unless they had been distinguished by the memorials of writers?"
3
Except if; used with hypothetical conditionals.
"Q. If Lieutenant P. had given the word "Fire," would you have fired, and at what?—A. I should not have known, unless he had told me what to fire at."

Etymology

From Middle English unlesse, earlier on lesse (modern on + less), from (not) on lesse (than) (“(not) on a less compelling condition (than)”). The quality of negation in the word and the lack of stress changed on to un-.

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: unless