conditional

C's ?: operator (aka "that crazy question-colon thing") is called the conditional expression operator. It can be used to remove short if statements or simply to confuse freshmen.

Con*di"tion*al (?), a. [L. conditionalis.]

1.

Containing, implying, or depending on, a condition or conditions; not absolute; made or granted on certain terms; as, a conditional promise.

Every covenant of God with man . . . may justly be made (as in fact it is made) with this conditional punishment annexed and declared. Bp. Warburton.

2. Gram. & Logic

Expressing a condition or supposition; as, a conditional word, mode, or tense.

A conditional proposition is one which asserts the dependence of one categorical proposition on another. Whately.

The words hypothetical and conditional may be . . . used synonymously. J. S. Mill.

© Webster 1913.

Con*di"tion*al, n.

1.

A limitation.

Bacon.

2.

A conditional word, mode, or proposition.

Disjunctives may be turned into conditionals. L. H. Atwater.

© Webster 1913.