but
1but
conjunction \ˈbət\Definition of BUT
1
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
- We had no choice but to leave.
- They've done nothing but argue all afternoon.
Origin of BUT
2but
prepositionDefinition of BUT
1
Examples of BUT
- There was no one there but him.
- I didn't tell anyone but my sister.
- 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
adverbDefinition of BUT
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
- They have but two weeks to get ready.
- <she is but a child and too young to understand such things>
First Known Use of BUT
12th century
4but
pronounDefinition of BUT
: that not : who not <nobody but has his fault — Shakespeare>
First Known Use of BUT
1556
5but
nounDefinition of BUT
Scottish : the kitchen or living quarters of a 2-room cottage
Origin of BUT
Scots but, adjective (outer)
First Known Use: 1724
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