but
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Old English būtan, corresponding to "by + out".
[edit] Pronunciation
- (stressed) enPR: bŭt, IPA: /bʌt/, SAMPA: /bVt/
- (unstressed) enPR: bət, IPA: /bət/, SAMPA: /b@t/
- Audio (US)help, file
- Rhymes: -ʌt
- Homophones: butt
[edit] Preposition
but
[edit] Adverb
but (not comparable)
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Positive |
Superlative |
[edit] Conjunction
but
- Except (for), excluding.
- I like everything but that. I have no choice but to leave.
- On the contrary, but rather (introducing a word or clause that contrasts with or contradicts the preceding clause or sentence without the not).
- I am not rich but poor.
- However, although, nevertheless (implies that the following clause is contrary to prior belief or contrasts with or contradicts the preceding clause or sentence).
- She is very old but still attractive. You told me I could do that but she said that I could not.
[edit] Usage notes
- Beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction such as but is considered incorrect by classical grammarians arguing that a coordinating conjunction at the start of a sentence has nothing to connect but use of the word in this way is very common. It is, however, best to avoid beginning a sentence with but in formal writing. Combining sentences or using however, nevertheless, still, or though is appropriate for the formal style.
- But this tool has its uses.
- This tool has its uses, however.
- Nevertheless, this tool has its uses.
- Still, this tool has its uses.
- This tool still has its uses.
- This tool has its uses, though.
The use of the word but preceded by a comma is also considered incorrect by classical grammarians.
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- I was very tired, but I decided to continue.
- It was a lovely day, but rain looked likely.
[edit] Synonyms
- (1): bar, unless, except, excepting, excluding, with the exception of, without
- (2):
- (3): however, yet, although
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
except
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rather
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although
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
but (plural buts)
- An instance or example of using the word "but"
- It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
- (Scottish) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Danish
[edit] Etymology
From Low German.
[edit] Adjective
but
- (rare) blunt
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Antonyms
[edit] French
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
but m.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Verb form
but
- Third-person singular indicative simple past of boire.
[edit] See also
[edit] Maltese
[edit] Noun
but m.
[edit] Polish
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
but m.
[edit] Declension
| Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | but | buty |
| Genitive | buta | butów |
| Dative | butowi | butom |
| Accusative | but | buty |
| Instrumental | butem | butami |
| Locative | bucie | butach |
| Vocative | bucie | buty |
[edit] Romani
[edit] Adjective
but (comparative majbut, superlative legmajbut)
[edit] Scots
[edit] Noun
but (plural buts)
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Singular |
Plural |
[edit] Preposition
but
[edit] Serbo-Croatian
[edit] Etymology
[edit] Noun
bȕt m. (Cyrillic spelling бу̏т)
[edit] Declension
declension of but
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | bȕt | bùtovi |
| genitive | buta | butova |
| dative | butu | butovima |
| accusative | but | butove |
| vocative | bute | butovi |
| locative | butu | butovima |
| instrumental | butom | butovima |
[edit] Turkish
[edit] Noun
but
[edit] Synonyms
Categories: Old English derivations | English prepositions | Obsolete | English adverbs | English conjunctions | English nouns | Scottish English | 100 English basic words | English coordinating conjunctions | da:Low German derivations | da:Rare | Danish adjectives | French nouns | French verb forms | Maltese nouns | Polish nouns | Romani adjectives | Scots nouns | Scots prepositions | sh:Turkish derivations | Serbo-Croatian nouns | Turkish nouns