What is the meaning of "if not"?

[Moe]

*Originally posted by CrazyNMellow *
**I think its unbelievable that the meaning of “if not” is even being debated. Being 2 of the most simple and obvious words in the english language, it seems ridiculous, if not ludicris. **

[Bill Clinton]Can you define the word “if” please? If not, can you define the word “not”?

I did not have sexual relations with that woman, and if I did, I would certainly not be telling you about it. Thank you [/Bill Clinton].

[Quint_Essence]

really it depends completly on context.
For instance

You could have said he is one of the fastest, if not the brightest speaker.
In no way does that statement suggest that he is the brightest. in fact, it says the opposite.
In the original statement, it can validly be red either way.

He is one of the fastest but NOT the fastest of all, or he is one of the fastest and could be THE fastest.

The one singular statement isn’t enough to say for sure what the intent is.

[Quint_Essence]

really it depends completly on context.
For instance

You could have said he is one of the fastest, if not the brightest speaker.
In no way does that statement suggest that he is the brightest. in fact, it says the opposite.
In the original statement, it can validly be read either way.

He is one of the fastest but NOT the fastest of all, or he is one of the fastest and could be THE fastest.

The one singular statement isn’t enough to say for sure what the intent is.

[Mangetout]

*Originally posted by Fat Bald Guy *
**Far be it from me to correct the knowledgeable Q.E.D., but I think a closer meaning would be – “He’s one of the fastest runners in the world. In fact, maybe he’s even the fastest.” **

I believe this pretty much nails it.

By rearranging:
If he is not the best, then he is one of the best.
into:
He is one of the best, if not the best.

The meaning is subtly altered; the first formulation implies “He’s the best, well, maybe so” - the second implies “He’s one of the best, in fact, no, I think he may very well be THE best”

[Lazy]

*Originally posted by Moe *
**Actually, I read it more as “we know he cannot drive the cart, but he can sure drive the ball”.

I do agree with you though on the more important point here that, in the case of this headline, the play on the word “drive” is the root of the confusion.

(Though I also find it quite unusual for a native speaker of English to be confused over this. Not that I’m doubting you (Lazy) or anything; it just seems unusual.) **

Actually, my confusion stems entirely from the difference in interpretation between you and Thrillhouse 15 (aren’t you both native speakers?). It seems like half the time I read this type of construction, I find it hard to choose between the two interpretations that you two give. In the context of the article, I think your interpretation is correct here, but quite often the context is not very helpful. (I don’t find the play on the word “drive” that confusing.)