rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybutContrast
conjunction / preposition / noun

but

BUT/bət/

Introduces an exception or contrast to what was said.

Everyone but one diner receives dessert; that diner gets vegetables.

A server gives dessert bowls to everyone at a table except one diner, who receives a plain bowl of vegetables instead.
Etymology
bOld Englishby
+utOld Englishout, outside

The combination of “by” and “out” conveyed “outside” or “without.” That idea extended to exceptions—something outside a statement’s scope—and then to the contrasting force of the conjunction.

In context

Dave Jorgenson7:52
the video is fake, but the people are real.
A Surprisingly Effective Way to Fight Misinformation | Dave Jorgenson | TED
Vox8:42
And we can help them but we can't do it for them.
Obama on the state of the world: the extended Vox conversation

More examples

  • Everyone but Ravi had already arrived.
  • She agreed, with one important but about the cost.
  • The plan is simple but surprisingly effective.

Forms

but · buts

Similar words

however
Introduces contrast, but does not normally function as an exception preposition.