iff
UK[ɪf]US[ɪf]
conj
Used in logic and computing to introduce a necessary and sufficient condition; a shortened form of "if and only if".
Etymology
The word "iff" is a modern artificial contraction, originating in the mid-20th century within the fields of formal logic and mathematics. It is formed by blending the common conditional conjunction "if" with the phrase "and only if," creating a single term to express logical equivalence or biconditionality. This linguistic innovation follows a pattern of technical abbreviation, where efficiency and precision in symbolic and written discourse are prioritized. Its adoption into computing and general technical jargon demonstrates how specialized communities can generate and standardize new lexical items to meet exact conceptual needs.
Analysis
N/A
Examples
A shape is a square iff it has four equal sides and four right angles.
You will be paid iff the completed work is submitted by the deadline.
In programming, the condition is true iff both operands have identical values and types.