adv

otherwise

UHTH-uh-wyz

adv

In a different way; differently.

"He claimed to be innocent, but the evidence suggested otherwise."

Under different circumstances; or else.

"Wear a coat, otherwise you'll freeze out there."

"Finish your homework now; otherwise you won't be allowed to go out later."

In every other respect; apart from what has just been mentioned.

"The paint was chipped, but the car was otherwise in perfect condition."

How to Use Otherwise

Learner’s notes

In 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

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He claimed to be innocent, but the evidence suggested _____.

From Old English on ōþre wīsan, literally "in another manner" — a fusion of "other" and "-wise" (meaning "in the manner of").

Ise rise wise vise Lise arise noise raise anise guise poise Elise