but

conjunction

\ ˈbət

Definition of but

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : 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

2a : on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding —used to connect coordinate elements he was called but he did not answernot 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

but

preposition

Definition of but (Entry 2 of 5)

1a : with the exception of : barring no one there but me — compare but entry 1 sense 2c

b : other than this letter is nothing but an insult

2 Scotland

a : without, lacking

b : outside

but

adverb

Definition of but (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : only, merely he is but a child

2 Scotland : outside

3 : to the contrary who knows but that she may succeed

4 —used as an intensive get there but fast

but

pronoun

Definition of but (Entry 4 of 5)

: that not : who not nobody but has his fault— William Shakespeare

but

noun

Definition of but (Entry 5 of 5)

Scotland

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about but

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Examples of but in a Sentence

Conjunction

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

Preposition

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

Adverb

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Conjunction

But scientists and doctors say things aren’t that simple — and a belief that exposing children to marijuana, either directly or indirectly, is harmless isn’t supported by the facts. — Daniel M. Jimenez, The Cannifornian, "With cannabis use growing, doctors still caution to keep kids away from secondhand smoke," 22 June 2017 But with a full and volatile season behind them, the two have grown closer, prompting check-ins from Bradford last month, seeking tidbits from his coach who watched OTA practices on a tablet from his Kentucky retreat. — Chad Graff, Twin Cities, "Vikings: Sam Bradford growing with insights from Mike Zimmer," 15 June 2017 The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police. — Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, "Facebook to add thousands of workers to review violent posts and other offensive content," 3 May 2017 But campus leaders like Chancellor Vincent Fulginiti and many community donors had a bigger vision. — Matthew Wynia, The Denver Post, "Here’s why Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has a world-class art gallery," 1 May 2017 Normally a chain moving here wouldn’t pique my interest too much, but this place has got some serious fans — called ‘ — Allyson Reedy, The Know, "Rant: Is Raising Cane’s chicken really that good? Someone enlighten me, please.," 24 Apr. 2017 The powerhouse, year-round clubs might be peaking again but the strongest undercurrents Saturday came from team connections. — Dan Albano, Orange County Register, "O.C. swimmers blaze 12 records at Foothill Swim Games (VIDEO)," 22 Apr. 2017 But enough do to make a significant dent in the prescription numbers. — Christopher Ingraham, The Cannabist, "Study: National medical marijuana laws would save lives — and a billion taxpayer dollars," 21 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples

but

Definition of but

Synonyms for but

Examples of but in a Sentence

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