but

Main Entry:: ¹but
Pronunciation:: \ˈbət\
Function:: conjunction
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by, out
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: except for the fact <would have protested but that he was afraid> b: that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won> c: without the concomitant that <it never rains but it pours> d: if not : unless e: than <no sooner started but it stopped> —not often in formal use2 a: on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding —used to connect coordinate elements <he was called but he did not answer><not peace but a sword> b: yet <poor but proud> c: with the exception of —used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <none but the brave deserves the fair — John Dryden>

— but that

: that —used after a negative <there is no doubt but that it must be done>

— but what

: that…not —used to indicate possibility or uncertainty <I don't know but what I will go>

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