Buts

Part of speech: noun, conjunction

Definitions

1. A conjunction used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned
2. A term that indicates an exception or limitation to a preceding statement or thought
3. A word used to express a condition that qualifies or negates the preceding assertion

Etymology: "Buts" is the plural of "but," a noun for objections or exceptions. That noun comes from the conjunction, which English inherited from "be-" and "out," meaning "outside," so the word once carried senses like "without" or "except" before it came to mark an exception.

Synonyms: objections, exceptions, restrictions, limitations, qualifications

Antonyms: agreements, acceptances, consents, approvals, affirmations