What is but? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of but

butconjunction
nhưng
/bʌt/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>but</b>

Where does the word but come from?

The word "but" has its roots in Old English and has evolved over time. In Old English, the word was "būt", which was an adverb meaning "except", "excepting", or "excluding". It was often used in phrases such as "but / lest" or "but / except". Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include contrastive uses, such as "on one hand" versus "on the other hand", as well as to indicate opposition or contradiction. In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the word appeared as "but" and retained its meaning as an adverb and conjunction. Today, "but" is a common conjunction in English, used to contrast ideas, display irony, or introduce a concession. Despite its shift in meaning, "but" remains a fundamental word in the English language.

Vocabulary summary but

type conjunction

meaning but, but

example but me no buts: don't contradict me with buts

example read the last but one line

meaning otherwise; no other way

example he would have fallen but for me

meaning but not

example I would have gone but that I was ill

type adverb

meaning just, just, just

example but me no buts: don't contradict me with buts

example read the last but one line

meaning (see) all

example he would have fallen but for me

Example of vocabulary butnamespace

used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before

I got it wrong. It wasn't the red one but the blue one.
His mother won't be there, but his father might.
It isn't that he lied exactly, but he does tend to exaggerate.

however; despite this

I'd asked everybody but only two people came.
By the end of the day we were tired but happy.

used when you are saying sorry about something

I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer.

used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree

But that's not possible!
‘Here's the money I owe you.’ ‘But that's not right—it was only £10.’

except

I had no choice but to sign the contract.

used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it

Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.

used to emphasize that something is always true

She never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there (= she always thought of them).

Synonyms and related words for but

Idioms of vocabulary but

but for

if it were not for

He would have played but for a knee injury.

except for

The square was empty but for a couple of cabs.

but then (again)

however; on the other hand

He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.

used before a statement that explains or gives a reason for what has just been said

She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year (= so it's not surprising).

you cannot/could not but…

(formal)used to show that everything else is impossible except the thing that you are saying

What could he do but forgive her? (= that was the only thing possible)

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