but

¹but

conjunction \ˈbət\

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>

Examples of BUT

1. We had no choice but to leave.
2. They've done nothing but argue all afternoon.

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

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

Examples of BUT

1. There was no one there but him.
2. I didn't tell anyone but my sister.
3. Who but you would think that?

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>

Examples of BUT

1. They have but two weeks to get ready.
2. <she is but a child and too young to understand such things>

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

Definition of BUT

Scottish

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

Origin of BUT

Scots but, adjective (outer)

First Known Use: 1724