Meaning of not but | Babel Free

Definitions

Introducing a subordinate clause, frequently with that: "it is not that (the following clause) is not the case".

archaic

Examples

“Spenser's Calendar, in Mr Dryden's opinion, is the most complete⟳ work⟳ of this kind which any nation has produced ever since the time of Virgil. Not but that he may be thought imperfect in some few points.”

“[H]e did not fail⟳ to be extremely disconcerted at his first entrance into a scene of life to which he was totally a stranger. Not but that he met with abundance of people in the country […].”

“Not but your father has good qualities, and I assure you I remember⟳ him a very fine gentleman himself.”

“This was the only very severe thing I ever said in my Life; not but that I have⟳ often felt myself extremely satirical but it was the only time I ever made my feelings public.”

“I believe⟳ you they dread him. Not but what he's artful, even in his defiance of them.”

CEFR level