"he is an enthusiastic if mediocre painter"
what does this sentence mean? can you explain the grammar and give some examples? 是什麼意思

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This construction softens the criticism aimed at the second adjective.

He is a mediocre (not a very good) painter. However, his redeeming quality is that he is enthusiastic.

We emphasize his strength “He is enthusiastic” and downplay his weakness “if mediocre painter.”

Some other examples:

“She is a sweet, if troubled, child.”
“It is a catchy, if overused, song.”
“It was a flavorful, if elaborate, recipe.”