You are but fifty (what does it mean, please)

Question

You are not an old man. You are but fifty.

What's the meaning of the second sentence, please. What kind of structure is that? Those sentences have been taken from here.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18581/18581-h/18581-h.htm

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

LaboriousWhat kind of structure is that?

It's a normal 'subject + linking verb + complement' structure.

I think it's the meaning of 'but' that is troubling you.

Here 'but' means 'only'.

You are only fifty (years old).

Here are other examples where 'but' means 'only'. This doesn't happen often, but you can find a few examples here and there online. It's usually right after a form of be: is but, are but, was but, were but, etc.

Compared to some things, an individual health insurance mandate is but a trifle.
The electoral system is but one part, albeit important, of what constitutes a liberal democracy.
The dusty road soon turned into slick clay. Sometimes we had to get out and push. Many miles later, the road was but a faint single track in a thick bamboo forest.

CJ

You are but fifty (what does it mean, please)

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