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 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>