all but

1. Almost, nearly, as in I've all but finished the book. This expression was used by Andrew Marvell in “Thoughts in a Garden”: “Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude.” [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

The defender has featured in all but 45 minutes of action in Hearts' first seven league games this term, playing an integral role in three straight clean sheets in the past three wins and scoring in the past two.

From BBC

All but two of those goals have altered the result of the match.

From BBC

While the settlement is nearly finalized, the agreement includes a provision that gives the county the right to back out unless all but 120 of the plaintiffs agree to the terms, a number that is unlikely to be reached with more than 11,000 plaintiffs.

From Los Angeles Times

We like it all, but mid-size is really just about perfect for us right now.

From Los Angeles Times

All but one have athletic trainers thanks to an agreement with St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Dignity Health.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• about 
• approximately 
• around 
• essentially 
• most 
• much 
• practically 
• relatively 
• roughly 
• virtually