- Main Entry:
- 1but
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈbət\
- Function:
- conjunction
- Etymology:
- 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
- Date:
- before 12th century
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 use2 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>
