However vs. But

However vs. But — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between However and But

Howeveradverb

Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of (that).

He told me not to do it. I, however, did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / (sometimes proscribed:) However, I did it anyway.She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.

Butpreposition

Outside of.

Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.

Howeveradverb

(degree) To whatever degree or extent

However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.

Butpreposition

Apart from, except (for), excluding.

Everyone but Father left early.''I like everything but that.Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.

Howeveradverb

(manner) In whatever way or manner.

Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.

Butadverb

Merely, only, just.

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Howeveradverb

An emphatic form of how.

However were you able to do it?

Butadverb

Though, however.

I'll have to go home early but.

Howeveradverb

(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.

Butadverb

Used as an intensifier.

Nobody, but nobody, crosses me and gets away with it.

Howeverconjunction

In whatever way or manner.

she offered to help however she could

Butconjunction

(following a negative clause or sentence) On the contrary, but rather (introducing a word or clause that contrasts with or contradicts the preceding clause or sentence without the negation).

I am not rich but (I am) poor;not John but Peter went there.
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Howeverconjunction

(proscribed) Although, though, but, yet.

Butconjunction

However, although, nevertheless, on the other hand (implies that the following clause is contrary to prior belief or contrasts with or contradicts the preceding clause or sentence).

She is very old but still attractive.You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.

Howeveradverb

despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);

although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try itwhile we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreedhe was a stern yet fair mastergranted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go

Butconjunction

Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".

I cannot but feel offended.

Howeveradverb

by contrast; on the other hand;

the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours

Butconjunction

(archaic) Without its also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).

It never rains but it pours.

Howeveradverb

to whatever degree or extent;

The results, however general, are importantthey have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns

Butconjunction

(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.

Howeveradverb

in whatever way or manner;

Victory, however it was brought about, was sweethowever he did it, it was very clever

Butconjunction

(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.

Howeveradverb

in what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');

how did you catch the snake?he told us how he did ithowever did you get here so soon?

Butconjunction

(obsolete) Until.

Butnoun

An instance or example of using the word "but".

It has to be done – no ifs or buts.

Butnoun

(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.

Butnoun

A limit; a boundary.

Butnoun

The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.

Butverb

(archaic) Use the word "but".

But me no buts.

Butadverb

and nothing more;

I was merely askingit is simply a matter of timejust a scratchhe was only a childhopes that last but a moment