Definition of 'cannot but'
phrase
butYou use cannot but, could not but, and cannot help but when you want to emphasize that you believe something must be true and that there is no possibility of anything else being the case.
[formal, emphasis] The pistol was positioned where I couldn't help but see it.
She could not but congratulate him.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Example sentences containing 'cannot but'
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
Read more…
You cannot but help swim your best. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It cannot but help that his perspective remains clear and uncluttered. Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Nearby words of 'cannot but'
Related Terms of 'cannot but'
Source
Definition of cannot but from the
Collins English Dictionary
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Meme Ban, Heart Age & Collagin: September’s Words in the News
Catch up on the latest words in the news this September with Robert Groves.
Read more
Collins Reference Catalogue 2019
View our new 2019 reference catalogue. From dictionaries, phrasebooks, language learning, atlases and maps, general reference and puzzles, you'll be sure to find books that appeal to you.
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more