But

How to spell but

3 letters · 1 syllable

How to pronounce but

What does but mean?

1. conjunctionUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said.
2. prepositionApart from; other than; with the exception of.

But in a sentence

• conjunction

  The flight was cheap but the hotel cost a fortune.

• preposition

  Everyone but the night manager had already gone home.

• conjunction

  She finished the report but forgot to attach the figures.

• preposition

  Nothing but a full refund would satisfy the customer.

Where does but come from?

Language of origin: Germanic

This little word comes from Old English butan, which itself was a compression of be (by) and utan (outside), so the literal idea was 'on the outside of' or 'without'. From that spatial sense of being left out came the meaning 'except', and from there the familiar use as a contrast word that sets one statement against another. It has been a workhorse of English since before the year 1000, and although it looks trivial, its history explains why it can still act as a preposition meaning 'except' (as in 'no one but me') alongside its everyday job as a connector. The spelling has barely changed in a thousand years, which is why it stays so short and simple. Its old relative 'about' preserves the same utan element, meaning 'on the outside around'.

How the word is built

• Single Old English root word 'butan' (without, except); not built from a prefix and suffix in modern English