I found two dictionary definitions for this phrase:
Everyone or everything except those mentioned. All but the weakest plants survived the hot weather.
Almost. In some places, bus service has all but disappeared.
However, how can one figure out what is meant in the following examples?
Society is all but rude, to this delicious solitude.
Does that mean that Society is almost rude, or Society is anything except rude?
It is all but impossible.
Does that mean that It is almost impossible or It is anything except impossible?
He was all but dead when we found him.
Was he almost dead, or definitely not dead?
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