but

5 entries found for but.
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but[1,conjunction] but[2,preposition] but[3,adverb] but[4,pronoun] but[5,noun]

Main Entry: ¹but
Pronunciation: 'b&t
Function: conjunction
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English butan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German buzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ut out -- more at BY, OUT
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>