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   but

   /bət/

   conjunction

   • 1. used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned: "he stumbled but didn't fall" Similar yetneverthelessnonethelesseven sohoweverstillnotwithstandingdespite thatin spite of thatfor all thatall the samejust the sameat the same timebe that as it maythoughalthoughinformal:still and allarchaic:withalnathelesshowbeitOpposite and
   • 2. used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated: "one cannot but sympathize" Similar (do) other thanotherwise thanexcept
   • 3. used to introduce a response expressing a feeling such as surprise or anger: "but that's an incredible saving!"
   • 4. used after an expression of apology for what one is about to say: "I'm sorry, but I can't pay you"
   • 5. without it being the case that: archaic "it never rains but it pours"

   preposition

   • 1. except; apart from; other than: "in Texas, we were never anything but poor"
   • ▪ used with repetition of certain words to give emphasis: "nobody, but nobody, was going to stop her"

   adverb

   • 1. no more than; only: "he is but a shadow of his former self"

   noun

   • 1. an argument against something; an objection: "no buts—just get out of here"

   Word Origin Old Englishbe-ūtan, būtan, būta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out).

   Scrabble Points: 5

   • B

     3

   • U

     1

   • T

     1

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