French and Portuguese word meaning 'but' or 'however,' used to introduce contrast or opposition.
From Latin 'magis' meaning 'more, rather.' Evolved through Vulgar Latin to Old French 'mes,' then modern French 'mais.' Shows how comparative words can become conjunctions.
The French word 'mais' started as Latin 'magis' meaning 'more' - it became 'but' because people would say things like 'not this, more/rather that.' This shows how language naturally evolves from emphasis to contrast!
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