unless

un-less · conjunction

imported

Definitions

conjunction

  1. 1.

    Except under the condition that; except on the condition that.

  2. 2.

    Used to introduce the only condition in which an event or situation will not occur.

  3. 3.

    (In negative contexts) except; but.

Related words

Antonyms: if
See also: except, if, provided, until
Synonyms: except if, if not

Etymology

From Middle English "onlesse," a contraction of "on lesse (that)" meaning "on a less condition (than)," equivalent to "on less than." The word combines "on" with "less," expressing the idea of "on a lower condition than" what is stated.