rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybutUnavoidable result
conjunction

but

introduces an unavoidable result after a negative statement

He never visits but he brings something to share.

Etymology
butOld Englishoutside; except

The older word means outside or except. After a negative, this excluding force can leave one outcome unavoidable, as in being unable to act without a particular result following.

More examples

  • It never rains but it pours.
  • She cannot hear that song but she remembers home.
  • No day passes but he thinks of her.

Forms

but