[bʌt], (Conjunction)

Definitions:
- used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned
(e.g: he stumbled but didn't fall)

- used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated
(e.g: one cannot but sympathize)

- used to introduce a response expressing a feeling such as surprise or anger
(e.g: but that's an incredible saving!)

- used after an expression of apology for what one is about to say
(e.g: I'm sorry, but I can't pay you)

- without it being the case that
(e.g: it never rains but it pours)


Phrases:
- but for
- but that
- but then

Origin:
Old English be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out)

[bʌt], (Adposition)

Definitions:
- except; apart from; other than
(e.g: we were never anything but poor)


Phrases:
- but for
- but that
- but then

Origin:
Old English be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out)

[bʌt], (Adverb)

Definitions:
- no more than; only
(e.g: he is but a shadow of his former self)

- (used at the end of a sentence) though; however
(e.g: he was a nice bloke but)


Phrases:
- but for
- but that
- but then

Origin:
Old English be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out)

[bʌt], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an argument against something; an objection
(e.g: no buts—just get out of here)


Phrases:
- but for
- but that
- but then

Origin:
Old English be-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out)

[bʌt], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an outer room, especially in a two-roomed cottage


Phrases:

Origin:
early 18th century: from but in the early sense ‘outside’, specifically ‘into the outer part of a house’