used to join two statements and show that the second one contrasts with or limits the first
I wanted to play outside, but it was raining hard.
She studied all night, but she still fell asleep in class.
✦ Old English “butan” meaning “outside, without, except, unless”.
except; other than
Everyone but Lisa was singing along.
The museum is open daily but Monday.
✦ From Old English “butan,” “outside” or “without.”
only; just
It was but a scratch on the car door.
He is but a child and doesn’t understand.
✦ Derived from earlier use meaning "outside of" that narrowed to "no more than".
an objection or excuse that stops something from happening
Finish your homework—no buts.
She agreed without a single but.
✦ From the conjunction sense, figuratively extended in the 17th century to mean “objection.”
