otherwise
UHTH-uh-wyz
Otherwise (adv) means In a different way; differently. Example: “I wanted to stay, but circumstances forced me to decide otherwise.”
adv
1
In a different way; differently.
"I wanted to stay, but circumstances forced me to decide otherwise."
"Unless told otherwise, you should assume the meeting starts at noon."
"He claimed to be innocent, but the evidence suggested otherwise."
2
Under different circumstances; or else.
"Lock the gate, otherwise the dog will wander into the road."
"Wear a coat, otherwise you'll freeze out there."
"Finish your homework now; otherwise you won't be allowed to go out later."
3
In every other respect; apart from what has just been mentioned.
"The film was a little long, but otherwise I enjoyed it."
"He was rude at the start; otherwise the dinner went smoothly."
"The paint was chipped, but the car was otherwise in perfect condition."
How to use otherwise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flexible word covering "differently," "or else," and "apart from that," depending on context.
Common pairings
unless otherwise stated
or otherwise
otherwise known as
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like otherwise.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I wanted to stay, but circumstances forced me to decide _____.
Etymology
From Old English on ōþre wīsan, literally "in another manner" — a fusion of "other" and "-wise" (meaning "in the manner of").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for otherwise
See all rhymes for otherwise →Frequently asked questions
What does “otherwise” mean?
The word “otherwise” means in a different way; differently. In plain terms, a flexible word covering "differently," "or else," and "apart from that," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “otherwise”?
“Otherwise” is pronounced UHTH-uh-wyz (/ˈʌð.ɚˌwaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “otherwise” in a sentence?
Here is “otherwise” used in a sentence: “He claimed to be innocent, but the evidence suggested otherwise.”
What part of speech is “otherwise”?
“Otherwise” is an adverb.
Where does the word “otherwise” come from?
The word “otherwise” comes from Old English. From Old English on ōþre wīsan, literally "in another manner" — a fusion of "other" and "-wise" (meaning "in the manner of").
Is “otherwise” a common word?
“Otherwise” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “otherwise” have?
“Otherwise” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a different way; differently.
What are the different meanings of otherwise?
It has three main uses. It can mean 'differently' — 'I couldn't do otherwise.' It can mean 'in other respects' — 'a small but otherwise pleasant flat.' And it can mean 'or else,' introducing a consequence — 'leave now, otherwise you'll miss the train.' The intended sense is almost always clear from the surrounding sentence.
What is an example of otherwise in a sentence?
For the 'differently' sense: 'She thinks otherwise.' For 'in other respects': 'The soup was cold but otherwise delicious.' For 'or else': 'Write it down, otherwise you'll forget.' Notice how the same word shifts role — adverb of manner, qualifier, or near-conjunction — depending entirely on where it sits and what it connects.
Is otherwise formal or informal?
It sits comfortably in both. 'Otherwise' is neutral in register, appearing in casual conversation and formal writing alike. In the 'or else' sense it can feel slightly more measured than the blunt 'or else,' which is one reason reports and instructions often favour it. No context treats the word as slang or overly stiff.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include otherwise:
