WordGarden.iootherwise
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌðəwˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈəðərˌwaɪz/
Meanings
Adverb
in another way or by other means
apart from that; in other respects
if not; or else
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're baking cookies. You need to add the chocolate chips; otherwise, the cookies will be plain. In the most common sense, "otherwise" means "if not" or "or else." It shows what may happen if something does not happen first. It can also mean "in other respects" or "apart from that," as in, "The room was small but otherwise comfortable." Sometimes it also means "in a different way."
For example: "You need to finish your homework; otherwise, you won't be able to come to the party." Or, "The plan was good, but otherwise hard to explain." It is a handy word for linking actions, results, and contrasts.
"Otherwise" is a versatile word with three main flavors. The first, and most common use, expresses a condition—it means "if not" or "or else." It sets up what will happen if something doesn't occur. Think of it as a gentle warning: "Lock the door; otherwise, someone might come in." This usage highlights a potential negative outcome if a certain action isn't taken.
The second meaning of "otherwise" is about general comparison or contrast. It means "in other respects" or "apart from that." For example, you might say, "The room was a bit small, but otherwise very comfortable." This suggests that while one specific detail (the size) was a drawback, the rest of the situation was positive.
Finally, "otherwise" can mean "differently" or "in another way." You might hear someone say, "I believe the truth is quite otherwise," or "She could not have done otherwise," meaning she had no other way to act.
The word comes from Old English roots meaning "other ways," which helps explain its ability to connect ideas and show how things relate—or don't! So, whether you're outlining consequences, making comparisons, or describing a different direction, otherwise is a useful tool for clarifying your thoughts and showing the connections between different parts of a situation.
Examples
- 1
Warning
Take an umbrella; otherwise, you’ll get wet.
- 2
Apartment search
The apartment is small, but otherwise it’s perfect.
- 3
Travel
I was a little late, but the trip was otherwise smooth.
- 4
Hotel terms
Unless otherwise stated, breakfast is included in the price.
- Phraseunless otherwise stated
unless different information is given
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Conflicting information
I thought the meeting was at nine, but the email said otherwise.
- Phrasesaid otherwise
gave different information
- 6
Assumption
No one complained, so we had no reason to think otherwise.
- 7
Negative exception
His joke spoiled an otherwise pleasant dinner.
- 8
Alternative name
The plant is called cilantro in the U.S., otherwise known as coriander in many other places.
- Phraseotherwise known as
also known as
See also
Similar
- or else
- if not
Shades of meaning
- failing that
- lest
Contrast
- in that case
Used with (collocations)
- do it now, otherwise
- otherwise you will
- otherwise there is
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- otherwiseadverbadjective