but

Definition of But in English :

Adverb

and nothing more

Example Sentences:
'I was merely asking'
'it is simply a matter of time'
'just a scratch'
'he was only a child'
'hopes that last but a moment'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

But

see synonyms of but

conjunction (coordinating)

1.

contrary to expectation

he cut his knee but didn't cry

2.

in contrast; on the contrary

I like opera but my husband doesn't

3. (usually used after a negative)

other than

we can't do anything but wait

conjunction (subordinating)

4. (usually used after a negative)

without it happening or being the case that

we never go out but it rains

5. (foll by that)

except that

nothing is impossible but that we live forever

6. archaic

if not; unless

sentence connector

7. informal

used to introduce an exclamation

my, but you're nice

preposition

8.

except; save

they saved all but one of the pigs

9. but for

adverb

10.

just; merely; only

he was but a child

I can but try

11. Scottish, Australian and New Zealand informal

though; however

it's a rainy day: warm, but

12. all but

noun

13.

an objection (esp in the phrase ifs and buts)

noun

1.

the outer room of a two-roomed cottage: usually the kitchen

preposition, adverb

2.

in or into the outer part (of a house)

Compare ben1

But

see synonyms of but

preposition

1.

with the exception of; excepting; save [nobody came but me]

earlier, and still sometimes, regarded as a conjunction and followed by the nominative case [nobody came but I (came)]

2.

except; other than

used with an infinitive as the object

we cannot choose but (to) stay

conjunction

3.

and in spite of this; and even so; yet

he is a villain, but he has some virtues

4.

and on the contrary

I am old, but you are young

5.

unless; except that

it never rains but it pours

6.

that

I don't question but you're correct

7.

that . . . not

it's not so high but we can jump it

adverb

8.

only

if I had but known

9.

merely; no more than; not otherwise than

he is but a child

10.

just

I heard it but now

11.

on the other hand; yet

used to introduce a sentence

12. Slang

absolutely; positively

he did it, but good

pronoun

13.

who . . . not; which . . . not

not a man but felt it

noun

Scottish

the outer room, esp. the kitchen, of a cottage

But

see synonyms of but

pref.

Containing a group of four carbon atoms: butyl.

conj.

1. On the contrary: the plan caused not prosperity but ruin.

2. Contrary to expectation; yet: She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.

3. Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception: No one but she saw the prowler.

4. With the exception that; except that. Often used with that: would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time; would have resisted but that they lacked courage.

5. Informal Without the result that: It never rains but it pours.

6. Informal That. Often used after a negative: There is no doubt but right will prevail.

7. That ... not. Used after a negative or question: There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.

8. Informal Than: They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.

prep.

Usage Problem Except.

adv.

1. Merely; just; only: hopes that lasted but a moment.

2. Used as an intensive: Get out of here but fast!

n.

A concern or objection: My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.

But

Adverb

But

But

But

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