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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Comments

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  • 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