What does but mean?
But is one of the most frequently used words in English, functioning primarily as a coordinating conjunction that introduces a contrast, contradiction, or exception. When two ideas are joined by 'but', the second clause qualifies or opposes the first: 'The plan sounded good, but it was too expensive.' It can also serve as a preposition meaning 'except' ('nobody but her knew'), and in older or more formal writing as an adverb meaning 'only' ('she was but sixteen'). A noun sense survives in expressions like 'no ifs, no buts', where a 'but' is an objection or excuse. Derived from Old English through Germanic roots related to the idea of being 'outside' or 'without', it has been part of the language since its earliest recorded stages. Because it signals qualification, reversal, or exception, mastering 'but' is essential to clear argumentation and natural everyday speech alike.
Introduces a clause or phrase contrasting with, contradicting, or qualifying a previous statement.
"He's clever but lazy."
Except; apart from.
"Everyone but Sarah agreed with the proposal."
Only; merely (chiefly literary or archaic).
"It was but a short walk to the village."
An objection or argument against something; a reason not to proceed.
"No buts — you're coming with us."
In Old English, 'but' and 'boot' were close cousins — one meant 'outside', the other 'advantage' — which is why we still say things like 'to boot' today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of but
But comes from Old English 'būtan', meaning 'outside, without, except', formed from 'be' ('by') plus 'ūt' ('out'). It shares a Germanic root with words like 'boutique' (via Old French 'boutique' from Greek 'apotheke', a related borrowing path) — more securely, its relatives include 'abut' and 'buttress', both ultimately from the same 'out/end' notion via French. The word has carried its core senses of 'except' and 'on the contrary' continuously since the earliest English records.
How but is actually used
Starting a sentence with 'but' is widely accepted in modern usage despite prescriptive objections. The adverbial sense ('but a child') is now largely literary or old-fashioned.
Easily confused with but
'But' is a conjunction meaning 'however' or 'except that', while 'butt' is a noun referring to the thicker end of something, a target, or (informally) the buttocks.