the meaning of "if not gifted"

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,

John loves soccer. He's an enthusiastic, if not a gifted, player.

In the sentence above, what does if not a gifted mean?

Thank you!

OP

 

[Verona_82]

Hi!
Please note I'm not a teacher.
I think 'if not a gifted player' suggests that John is more than just an enthusiastic player. In other words, the author considers John to be quite gifted in addition to being enthusiastic.

 

[riquecohen]

Dear all,

John loves soccer. He's an enthusiastic, if not a gifted, player.

In the sentence above, what does if not a gifted mean?

Thank you!

OP

It means that he does not have a natural ability in this area.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi!
Please note I'm not a teacher.
I think 'if not a gifted player' suggests that John is more than just an enthusiastic player. In other words, the author considers John to be quite gifted in addition to being enthusiastic.

No, it means the opposite, he is enthusiastic but not particularly gifted.

 

[Verona_82]

oops
I thought in that case there would be 'but' (((
I'll be more careful next time.

 

[Verona_82]

The snow was two feet deep, making it difficult, if not impossible, to get the car out.

Does 'if not' mean the same here? It was difficult, but not impossible, to get it out?

 

[riquecohen]

The snow was two feet deep, making it difficult, if not impossible, to get the car out.

Does 'if not' mean the same here? It was difficult, but not impossible, to get it out?

No. This means that it was difficult, almost impossible, to get the car out.

 

[Verona_82]

How do I differentiate then? :-D From the context?

 

[Tdol]

Difficult and impossible are related- if something becomes too difficult, it is impossible- a question of degree. However, enthusiasm and talent are not related- you can be incredibly enthusiastic but have no talent.

 

[Verona_82]

I got it, thank you!

 

[BobK]

Hi!
Please note I'm not a teacher.
I think 'if not a gifted player' suggests that John is more than just an enthusiastic player. In other words, the author considers John to be quite gifted in addition to being enthusiastic.

No, it means the opposite, he is enthusiastic but not particularly gifted.

I prefer the latter meaning, but I've heard both. In the first case it would be clearer to say 'He's an enthusiastic - one might even say gifted - player'. It would be more likely with a pair of adjectives close to each other on a continuum of skill; 'He's a talented - one might even say gifted - player.' In this case, instead of the rather wordy 'one might even say', you might hear something like 'He's a talented - not to say gifted - player.'

b