ALL BUT Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "all but" is commonly used as an idiom in English, typically to convey the meaning of "almost" or "nearly." It is a phrasal adjective that combines the word "all" and the preposition "but" to form an expression that describes a situation where something or someone falls just short of a particular state, action, or result.
The term implies a condition where virtually everything except a minuscule or insignificant component is encompassed. It effectively denotes that only a small or insignificant part remains, excluding all others. For example, if one were to say, "I was all but defeated," it portrays a circumstance where almost all hope was gone, leaving only a trace or a fraction of hope remaining.
Furthermore, the expression "all but" can also be employed to emphasize a feeling of irony or contradiction. In this context, it suggests that despite being seemingly close to a specific outcome, the expected result did not occur. For instance, when someone says, "She was all but certain to win the game," it signifies that despite high expectations or strong indications of success, the person failed to achieve victory.
In summary, "all but" is an idiomatic phrase that denotes near completeness or almost reaching a particular condition or result while also potentially indicating a paradoxical contrast. Its usage extends beyond physical objects and events, extending into feelings, beliefs, and intangible aspects of life, making it a versatile and widely employed expression in the English language.
Common Misspellings for ALL BUT
- zll but
- sll but
- wll but
- qll but
- akl but
- apl but
- aol but
- alk but
- alp but
- alo but
- all vut
- all nut
- all hut
- all gut
- all byt
- all bht
- all bjt
- all bit
- all b8t
Etymology of ALL BUT
The phrase all but has an interesting etymology. It originated in Middle English as all buten, combining the words all and buten.
The word all comes from the Old English word eall, which meant whole or entire. It eventually evolved into the Middle English alle and eventually the modern English all.
The word buten is the Middle English form of the word but, which initially referred to the meaning outside of or except for. Over time, buten came to mean only or nearly.
When all and buten were combined to form all buten, it meant all except or almost completely. With the progression of the English language, all buten eventually transformed into the modern phrase we know today as all but.
Idioms with the word ALL BUT
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in all but name
The idiom "in all but name" is used to describe something or someone that is essentially or effectively the same as what is being referred to, even though it may not be officially or explicitly recognized or named as such. It suggests that the only thing lacking is formal acknowledgment or recognition.
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all but sth
The idiom "all but something" typically means almost or very nearly something. It suggests that everything or everyone is included or involved except for the final aspect or detail mentioned.
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all but
The idiom "all but" means nearly, almost, or practically except for a small difference or minor detail.
Similar spelling word for ALL BUT
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