but

/bʌt/

Thân thiện

A single candle flickers but briefly in the quiet room.

Definition

1. Conjunction:

   • Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned: "But" is a coordinating conjunction used to connect two ideas that are opposite or different.
   • Except; apart from: In formal or literary contexts, "but" can mean "except for" or "other than."

2. Adverb:

   • Only; merely; just: "But" can be used to mean "only" or "no more than," often to emphasize a small amount or degree.

3. Preposition:

   • Except; apart from; other than: Used to exclude something from a statement.

4. Noun:

   • An argument against something; an objection: A reason given for not doing or agreeing with something.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:

  • I wanted to go, but I was too tired. (Introduces a contrasting idea.)
  • It's not cheap, but it's very good quality. (Shows a difference between two qualities.)

• Adverb:

  • He is but a child. (Meaning: He is only a child.)
  • We can but try. (Meaning: We can only try.)

• Preposition:

  • Everyone was there but John. (Meaning: Everyone except John was there.)
  • I have no choice but to agree. (Meaning: My only choice is to agree.)

• Noun:

  • Your plan has too many buts. (Meaning: Your plan has too many objections or conditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "But for": If it were not for; except for.

  • But for the rain, we would have gone for a walk. (If it had not rained, we would have gone.)

• "All but": Very nearly; almost.

  • The project is all but finished. (The project is almost finished.)

• "But then (again)": Used to introduce a contrasting or surprising additional fact.

  • It's an expensive car, but then you get what you pay for. (Introduces a reason that explains or contrasts with the first statement.)

• "Cannot but": Cannot do anything other than; must.

  • I cannot but admire her courage. (I must admire her courage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Butt (verb/noun): A completely different word meaning to hit with the head or the end of something. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Conjunction: However, yet, although, though.
• Adverb: Only, merely, just, simply.
• Preposition: Except (for), apart from, save (formal).
• Noun: Objection, qualm, reservation, caveat.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "But" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. Its combinations are typically fixed phrases or idioms.)

Related Idioms

• "But me no buts": (Archaic/Literary) Do not argue with me by giving objections.

  • I've made my decision, so but me no buts.

• "Last but not least": Used to say that the final person or thing mentioned is not less important than the others.

  • And last but not least, I'd like to thank my family.

• "No ifs, ands, or buts": Used to stop any discussion or argument.

  • You will clean your room, no ifs, ands, or buts!

Học thuật

Adverb

1. and nothing more
   • 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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• merely
• simply
• just
• only