if covert

1. If the rebellion is covert, then it is unprecedented.

2. The rebellion is both covert and unprecedented.

Thanks!

Mmm - I don't think so.

My reading is that this is the use of "if" that means "although it is also this other thing, which may be in contrast to the first."

I believe it is unprecedented, even though it is not out in the open (i.e., it is covert).

>He is facing an unprecedented, if covert, rebellion by his top spies

if covert=although covert, even though covert, however covert, although perhaps covert

thus the two sentences aren't saying the same.

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if

4 : even though : although perh

Thank you :-) I really feel grateful.

I do agree with you. As to the first sentence, I guess the writer wanted to put more stress on the word 'unprecedented', Am I right?

Yes
... although the rebellion was covert, it was still unprecedented

Ipodmini
Hi,;-)

He is facing an unprecedented, if covert, rebellion by his top spies.

He is facing an unprecedented, covert, rebellion by his top spies.

What's the difference between the two sentences in terms of meaning?

I'm not sure this is a particularly good