1used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned:he stumbled but didn’t fallthis is one principle, but it is not the only onethe food is cheap but deliciousthe problem is not that they are cutting down trees, but that they are doing it in a predatory way
2 [with negative or in questions] used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated:one cannot but sympathizethere was nothing they could do but swallow their pridethey had no alternative but to follow
3used to introduce a response expressing a feeling such as surprise or anger:but that’s an incredible saving!but why?
4used after an expression of apology for what one is about to say:I’m sorry, but I can’t pay you
5 [with negative] archaic without it being the case that:it never rains but it pours
წინდებული
Universal
except; apart from; other than:we were never anything but poorsupply currently exceeds demand in all but the most rural areasthe last but one
used with repetition of certain words to give emphasis:nobody, but nobody, was going to stop her
ზმნისართი
Universal
1no more than; only:he is but a shadow of his former selfchoose from a colourful array of mango, starfruit, and raspberries, to name but a few
2Australian/NZ & Scottish informal (used at the end of a sentence) though; however:he was a nice bloke but
არსებითი სახელი
Universal
an argument against something; an objection:no buts—just get out of hereas with all these proposals, ifs and buts abound
but for
except for:I walked along Broadway, deserted but for the occasional cab
if it were not for:the game could be over but for you
but that
archaic other than that; except that:she would have screamed, but that her cry would have called her masters
but then
after all; on the other hand (introducing a contrasting comment):it couldn’t help, but then again, it probably couldn’t hurtit’s a very hard match, but then they all are