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How to pronounce but
Say it like this: /ˈbɐ̞t/. Listen to real recordings below and compare how it sounds in different accents.
What does but mean?
prepApart from, except (for), excluding.
“I like everything but that.”
Outside of.
“Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.”
advMerely, only, just, no more than.
“Christmas comes but once a year, so we can but wait till then.”
Though, however.
“I'll have to go home early but.”
Used to repeat an adverb for emphasis; simply; just; absolutely.
“I would never, but never do such a thing!”
conjHowever, although, nevertheless, on the other hand (introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence).
“She is very old but still attractive.”
On the contrary, rather (as a regular adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence).
“It’s not so much that we don’t wanna go, but I just haven’t time.”
Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
“But I never said you could do that!”
nounAn instance of using the word "but"; an objection or caveat.
“It has to be done—no ifs, ands, or buts.”
The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
A limit; a boundary.
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Pronunciations and meanings from Wiktionary via kaikki.org, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Recordings by Wikimedia Commons contributors. This page is shared under the same license.