No. 497 in Arabic

سوى

Except, only, or just.

In a sentence

لم أكن أعلم سوى الحقيقة.
I only knew the truth.
In this sentence, 'سوى' is used as "only," indicating exclusivity.
ما سوى هذا الخيار غير ممكن.
Nothing but this option is possible.
Here, 'سوى' is used as "but," indicating limitation.
هو مثل غيره سوى أنه أكثر حماسًا.
He is like others except that he is more enthusiastic.
In this instance, 'سوى' acts as "except," denoting exception.

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