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¹but

conjunction \ˈbət\

—used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

: other than

—used in speech at the beginning of a sentence that expresses surprise, shock, etc.

Full Definition of BUT

1

a : except for the fact <would have protested but that he was afraid>

b : that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won>

c : without the concomitant that <it never rains but it pours>

d : if not : unless

e : than <no sooner started but it stopped> —not often in formal use

2

a : on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding —used to connect coordinate elements <he was called but he did not answer> <not peace but a sword>

b : yet <poor but proud>

c : with the exception of —used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <none but the brave deserves the fair — John Dryden>

— but that

: that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but that it must be done>

— but what

: that … not —used to indicate possibility or uncertainty <I don't know but what I will go>

See but defined for English-language learners

See but defined for kids

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Origin of BUT

Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by, out

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BUT

Synonyms: except, only, saving, yet

Rhymes with BUT

butt, cut, glut, gut, hut, jut, mutt, nut, putt, rut, scut, shut, slut, smut, soot, strut, tut, ut, what

²but

preposition

: other than (something or someone)

Full Definition of BUT

1

a : with the exception of : barring <no one there but me> — compare ¹but 2c

b : other than <this letter is nothing but an insult>

2

Scottish

a : without, lacking

b : outside

See but defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of BUT

before 12th century

Related to BUT

Synonyms: apart from, aside from, bar, barring, beside, besides, except, except for, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside, outside of, save, saving

³but

adverb

Definition of BUT

1

: only, merely <he is but a child>

2

Scottish : outside

3

: to the contrary <who knows but that she may succeed>

4

—used as an intensive <get there but fast>

See but defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of BUT

12th century

Related to BUT

Synonyms: just, merely, only, purely, simply

⁴but

pronoun

Definition of BUT

: that not : who not <nobody but has his fault — Shakespeare>

First Known Use of BUT

1556

⁵but

noun

: a reason someone gives for not doing or agreeing with something

Full Definition of BUT

Scottish

: the kitchen or living quarters of a 2-room cottage

See but defined for English-language learners

Origin of BUT

Scots but, adjective (outer)

First Known Use: 1724

BUT Defined for Kids

¹but

conjunction \bət\

Definition of BUT for Kids

1

: yet nevertheless <She fell but wasn't hurt.> <He was poor but proud.>

2

: while just the opposite <I ski but you don't.>

3

: except that : unless <It never rains but it pours.>

²but

preposition

Definition of BUT for Kids

: other than : except <everyone but you>

³but

adverb

Definition of BUT for Kids

: ²only 1 <We have but one choice.>

Learn More About BUT

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "but"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "but"

Nglish: Translation of "but" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "but" for Arabic speakers

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