Definition Synonyms
Definition of but - Reverso English Dictionary
Conjunction
contrastintroducing a contrast or exception
- I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Preposition
exceptionexcept for or excluding something
- Everyone but John was present at the meeting.
Noun
1.
logicobjection or caveat
- He had no buts about the decision.
2.
objectDated the larger or thicker end of somethingDated
- He held the but of the stick firmly.
3.
architectureRare UK the outer room of a small cottageRare UK
- They sat in the but, warming by the fire.
Adverb
limitation precisionmeans only, no more than, or just
- He is but a child.
Images of but
the outer room of a small cottage
Expressions with but
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very nearly or almost completely
The project is all but finished.
in a very thorough or intense way
He cleaned the house but good.
used to introduce a surprising fact
I didn't study, but hey, I passed the test!
not at all or in no way
The results were anything but satisfactory.
emphasizing the importance of the last item
Last but certainly not least, we thank our sponsors.
emphasizes that the final mentioned item is equally important
She thanked her family, her friends, and last but not least, her dog.
disappointing yet factual
The news was sad but true, leaving everyone in shock.
politely decline an offer or suggestion
Thanks but no thanks, I don't need help.
very unusual or unexpected
Her reaction to the news was anything but normal.
sound threatening or strict yet never carry out real harm
Don't worry about the coach; he will bark but not bite.
remembered even though no longer present
Her kindness made her gone but not forgotten.
not exactly right but close enough
“Is it exactly noon?” “No, but near enough.”
achieving success without rushing
Her progress in learning the language was slow but sure.
progressing slowly with certainty and steadiness
Slowly but surely, she finished the marathon.
used to downplay the importance of exact numbers
I've told you a hundred times, but who's counting?
include almost everything possible, often more than needed
She packed everything but the kitchen sink for the trip.
penultimate in a sequence or list
She finished in the last but one position.
practically finished except for the final emotional reaction
The game is all over but the crying now.
to be flexible but remain strong
In tough times, we must bend but not break.
willing to do something but with limits
She wanted the promotion, but not at any price.
seems less important when compared to something else
The bonus was welcome, but it pales beside the chance to lead.
cannot avoid doing something even if you want to stop
I cannot help but laugh at his jokes.
being nearly correct but slightly wrong
Her answer was close but no cigar in the quiz.
feel compelled to experience or do something
She could not help but get emotional during the speech.
Origin of but
Old English, butan (outside) + Middle English, but (except)
Terms with but included in their meaning
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small quantity
not many but more than one
difference
not the one already mentioned, but a different one
geography
settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city
texture
firm but easily broken or crumbled
exclusion
other than or but not
chewing gum
type of candy chewed but not swallowed
close to
almost but not quite
quantity
more than two but not many
quantity
more than two but not many
general
nearly all but not completely
frequency
happening occasionally but not regularly
temporarily
at the present time but not permanently
scheduling
before long, but not right away
location
located very near but not directly on a main place
approximation
almost but not completely or exactly
expectation
something expected has not happened but may happen soon
recent time
recently but not exactly sure when
uncertainty
shows that something is unlikely but still possible
acceptable quality
satisfactorily but not exceptionally
acceptable quality
satisfactory but not exceptionally or especially good
quality
adequate or reasonable, but not excellent
acr: large
bigger than medium but smaller than extra-large
mythical story
traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated
shopping item
something pleasant but not necessary in life
Examples of but in a sentence
He wanted to stay, but he had to leave. No one but the manager has the key. All but the last chapter were interesting. There were no buts in his argument. She accepted the offer without any buts. The but of the rifle was scratched.
She carved her initials into the but of the bat. The but was filled with the scent of fresh bread. They stored their tools in the but. She is but a memory. It was but a scratch.
View all translations of but
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:mais, sauf, ...
- German:aber, außer, ...
- Italian:ma, tranne, ...
- Spanish:pero, excepto, ...
- Portuguese:mas, exceto, ...
- Chinese:但是, 除了, ...
- Japanese:けど, 除いて, ...
- Arabic:لكن, إِلَّا, ...
- Hebrew:אֲבָל, מִלְבַד, ...
- Russian:но, кроме, ...
- Ukrainian:але, крім, ...
- Hindi:लेकिन, को छोड़कर, ...
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