Unless: meaning, definitions and examples

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unless

[ʌnˈlɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Conjunction}

conditional

Except if; on the condition that not

Synonyms

except if, if not.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unless	Used to introduce the only situation in which something will not happen or be true. I won't go to the park unless it stops raining. You can't enter the club unless you're a member.
except if	Means 'if not for' or 'unless' and is commonly used to specify exceptions or conditions. They won't give you a refund except if the item is defective. You can leave early except if you have an urgent task.
if not	Usually serves as a conditional phrase indicating a negative outcome unless a certain condition is met. You should apologize, if not they might get even more upset. We must hurry, if not we'll miss the bus.

Word

Description / Examples

unless

Used to introduce the only situation in which something will not happen or be true.

I won't go to the park unless it stops raining.
You can't enter the club unless you're a member.

except if

Means 'if not for' or 'unless' and is commonly used to specify exceptions or conditions.

They won't give you a refund except if the item is defective.
You can leave early except if you have an urgent task.

if not

Usually serves as a conditional phrase indicating a negative outcome unless a certain condition is met.

You should apologize, if not they might get even more upset.
We must hurry, if not we'll miss the bus.

Examples of usage

Unless you finish your homework, you can't go out to play.
I won't go to the party unless you come with me.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

negation

Used to introduce a clause which is the negative condition for the main clause

Synonyms

except if, if not.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unless	Used to introduce a conditional clause, typically to state an exception to a general rule or situation. It's commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. You won't pass the exam unless you study hard. We cannot start the meeting unless the manager arrives.
except if	Similar in meaning to 'unless', but this phrase is less common and often used in more formal contexts. It introduces a condition that limits or excludes something. We can proceed with the plan except if there are any objections. The store is open every day except if there's a holiday.
if not	Generally used to express a conditional situation, similar to 'unless', but it can sometimes imply a stronger consequence. It often appears in more structured sentences. You might get a good seat if not, you will have to stand. Finish your homework now if not, you'll have to stay after school.

Word

Description / Examples

unless

Used to introduce a conditional clause, typically to state an exception to a general rule or situation. It's commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.

You won't pass the exam unless you study hard.
We cannot start the meeting unless the manager arrives.

except if

Similar in meaning to 'unless', but this phrase is less common and often used in more formal contexts. It introduces a condition that limits or excludes something.

We can proceed with the plan except if there are any objections.
The store is open every day except if there's a holiday.

if not

Generally used to express a conditional situation, similar to 'unless', but it can sometimes imply a stronger consequence. It often appears in more structured sentences.

You might get a good seat if not, you will have to stand.
Finish your homework now if not, you'll have to stay after school.

Examples of usage

I will not go to the store unless you come with me.
She will not eat the cake unless it is gluten-free.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'unless' comes from the Old English words 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'lesse' meaning 'less'.
Initially, 'unless' was used to imply a condition of being less than; it transformed over time into its current form.
It has been a part of the English language since the 14th century, showcasing how conditional statements have evolved.

Grammar

'Unless' functions as a conjunction, introducing a conditional clause, much like 'if not'.
It often sets the stage for a negative condition, indicating what must not occur for the main action to happen.
In formal writing, using 'unless' can create more concise sentences compared to 'if not'.

Philosophy

Philosophers have often used 'unless' to explore concepts of conditionality and necessity in logical reasoning.
In ethical discussions, it can signify conditions under which certain actions may or may not be taken.
It's crucial in formulating premises for arguments, outlining scenarios where outcomes change based on specific factors.

Pop Culture

'Unless' is often used in song lyrics and poetry to highlight themes of love, loss, or conditions that affect relationships.
The phrase 'unless you love me' has been an emotional pivot in various romantic songs and films, showcasing its emotional weight.
It appears in popular media as a dramatic device, where characters might face dilemmas based on conditions set by 'unless'.

Psychology

Understanding 'unless' can affect decision-making as it helps individuals weigh conditions against potential outcomes.
In cognitive therapy, framing situations with 'unless' can support clients to consider alternatives or consequences effectively.
'Unless' reflects a common cognitive bias where people may underestimate the importance of conditions in their choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "unless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 a menos que

🇮🇳 जब तक

🇩🇪 es sei denn

🇮🇩 kecuali jika

🇺🇦 якщо не

🇵🇱 chyba że

🇯🇵 〜でなければ

🇫🇷 à moins que

🇪🇸 a menos que

🇹🇷 olmadıkça

🇰🇷 않으면

🇸🇦 إلا إذا

🇨🇿 pokud ne

🇸🇰 pokiaľ nie

🇨🇳 除非

🇸🇮 razen če

🇮🇸 nema

🇰🇿 егер

🇬🇪 თუ არა

🇦🇿 əgər

🇲🇽 a menos que

Word Frequency Rank

At #681 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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678 sufficient
679 chapter
680 types
681 unless
682 companies
683 acid
684 fine
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