Sekirov Dictionary

but

/ˈbʌt/

conjunction 10
noun 4
adverb 3
preposition 2
verb 1
forms 3
phrases 10

conjunction10

•
adding something that goes against what was just said, often something unexpected
- She is very old but still attractive.
- She’s welcomed them but been rude to us.
•
Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
- But I never said you could do that!
•
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, (archaic) with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
- I cannot but feel offended.
- My kid does nothing but watch TV all day.
•
On the contrary, rather (as a regular adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence).
- I am not rich but [I am] poor.
- Not John but Peter went there.
•
(informal) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
- Wow! But that's amazing!
•
(no longer used) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
- It never rains but it pours
- I never hear this song but I think of you.
•
(no longer used) Only; solely; merely.
- Observe but how their own principles combat one another. — 1641
•
(no longer used) Except with; unless with; without.
- This man unable to manage his own happinesse, grew so insolent that he could not go, but either spurning his equals, or trampling on his inferiours. — 1639
•
(no longer used) Until.
- 'Tshall not be long but I'll be here again. — 1606
•
(no longer used) That.
- It is not impossible but next year I may have the honour of waiting on your Lordship at St. Asaph, If I go to Ireland I certainly will go that way. — 1784

noun4

•
An instance of using the word "but"; an objection or caveat.
- It has to be done—no ifs, ands, or buts.
- But—and this is a big but—you have to come home by sundown.
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
A limit; a boundary.

adverb3

•
(literary) Merely, only, just, no more than.
- Christmas comes but once a year, so we can but wait till then.
•
(Australia, Scotland) Though, however.
- I'll have to go home early but.
•
Used to repeat an adverb for emphasis; simply; just; absolutely.
- I would never, but never do such a thing!

preposition2

•
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
- Everyone but Father left early.
- I like everything but that.
•
Outside of.
- Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.

verb1

•
(no longer used, rare) Use the word "but".
- But me no buts.

forms

butted · butting · buts

Phrases with but

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