but

Definitions

1. conjunction

   Used to join two ideas that are different or surprising together.

   Examples

   • She is very old but still active.
   • I wanted to come, but I was too tired.
   ≈yet≈although≈ac
2. conjunction

   Used to show that what is true is the opposite of what was just said.

   Examples

   • I am not rich but poor.
   • It was not John but Peter who went there.
3. adverb

   Used at the end of a sentence in some dialects to mean though or however.

   Examples

   • I'll have to go home early, but.
   • It's nice here, but.
   ≈even so≈nevertheless≈notwithstanding≈yet≈all that said +22 more
4. conjunction

   Used at the start of a sentence to disagree with what was said.

   Examples

   • But I never said you could do that!
   • But that's not what happened!
5. preposition

   Except for something or someone.

   Examples

   • Everyone but Father left early.
   • I like everything but fish.
   ≈barring≈except for≈save for≈apart≈apart from +19 more
6. preposition

   Used in some dialects to mean outside of a place.

   Examples

   • Go but the house and see who is there.
   • Step but the door and see who is calling.
7. adverb

   Only or just.

   Examples

   • Christmas comes but once a year.
   • We can but wait and see.
   ≈barely≈but≈just≈literally≈merely +4 more
8. adverb

   Used to repeat an adverb for emphasis.

   Examples

   • I would never, but never do such a thing!
   • She wanted nothing, but nothing, to change.
9. conjunction

   Used after cannot or nothing to mean except or only.

   Examples

   • I cannot but feel angry about it.
   • My kid does nothing but watch TV all day.
   ≈bar≈unless≈excepting≈excluding≈with the exception of +1 more
10. conjunction

    Used to add strong feeling to what comes next.

    Examples

    • Wow! But that's amazing!
    • Oh my, but that little boy could play!