/ bət; NAmE ; strong form bʌt/ conjunction , preposition , adverb , noun
■ conjunction
1.
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 did tend to exaggerate.
2.
however; despite this :
I'd asked everybody but only two people came.
By the end of the day we were tired but happy.
3.
used when you are saying sorry about sth :
I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer.
4.
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.'
5.
except :
I had no choice but to sign the contract.
6.
used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it :
Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.
7.
( literary ) used to emphasize that sth 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) .
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IDIOMS
- but for
- but then (again)
- you cannot / could not but ...
■ preposition
except; apart from :
We've had nothing but trouble with this car.
The problem is anything but easy.
Who but Rosa could think of something like that?
Everyone was there but him.
I came last but one in the race (= I wasn't last but next to last) .
Take the first turning but one (= not the first one but the one after it) .
■ adverb
only :
I don't think we'll manage it. Still, we can but try.
There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two.
■ noun
/bʌt/ [ usually pl. ] a reason that sb gives for not doing sth or not agreeing :
'Let us have no buts,' he said firmly. 'You are coming.'
With so many ifs and buts , it is easier to wait and see.
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English be-ūtan , būtan , būta outside, without, except (see by , out ).