Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- preposition
Except , except for, not counting; were it not for. - adjective law Pertaining to a test of
causation whereby an agent or action is considered to have caused an event (and therefore to be responsible and/or liable for said event) if, had said agent or action not existed, the event would not have taken place.
Etymologies
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Examples
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dario commented on the word but for
e.g. I'm sure the woman would have died but for the help of a man who was passing and knew what to do.
Explanation: If it weren't for the man, she would be dead.
April 26, 2010