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