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excepto

except

preposition ehk-SEHP-toh Less Common

Origin: Latin exceptus (excluded)

Usage Note

Excepto is a preposition meaning 'except, with the exception of', and it is broadly interchangeable with salvo and menos in this sense. Unlike salvo, excepto has no adjectival meaning, so it is unambiguous as an exclusion marker. It does not decline and can introduce both noun phrases (excepto él) and subordinate clauses with que (excepto que llegue tarde).

Examples

"Todo está listo excepto el postre."

Natural Translation

Everything is ready except the dessert.

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