but

Universal Words conjunction, preposition, adverb, noun conjunction 1 used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before: I got it wrong. It wasn't the red one but the blue one. * His mother won't be there, but his father might. * It isn't that he lied exactly, but he did tend to exaggerate. 2 however; in spite of this: I'd asked everybody but only two people came. * By the end of the day we were tired but happy. 3 used when you are saying sorry about sth: I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer. 4 used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree: But that's not possible! * 'Here's the money I owe you.' 'But that's not right-it was only ｣10.' 5 except: I had no choice but to sign the contract. 6 used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it: Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind. 7 (literary) used to emphasize that sth is always true: She never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there (= she always thought of them). IDIOMS but then (again) 1 however; on the other hand: He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion. 2 used before a statement that explains or gives a reason for what has just been said: She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year (= so it's not surprising). you cannot / could not but... (formal) used to show that everything else is impossible except the thing that you are saying: What could he do but forgive her? (= that was the only thing possible) preposition except; apart from: We've had nothing but trouble with this car. * The problem is anything but easy. * Who but Rosa could think of something like that? * Everyone was there but him. * I came last but one in the race (= I wasn't last but next to last). * Take the first turning but one (= not the first one but the one after it). adverb only: I don't think we'll manage it. Still, we can but try. * There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two. noun [usuallypl.] a reason that sb gives for not doing sth or not agreeing: 'Let us have no buts,' he said firmly. 'You are coming.' * With so many ifs and buts, it is easier to wait and see.