Meaning & Definition of Otherwise in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: In a different way or manner.

  Example Sentence: You need to study harder; otherwise, you might fail the exam.

• Definition: If things were different.

  Example Sentence: You should ask her, otherwise, you'll never know the truth.

• Definition: In other circumstances.

  Example Sentence: It was a good plan; otherwise, we would have been in trouble.

• Definition: Apart from that.

  Example Sentence: The meeting was productive; otherwise, we wouldn't have accomplished so much.

• Definition: In different circumstances.

  Example Sentence: He would have come, otherwise he had other commitments.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from other + wise.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• otherwise engaged: Unable to participate due to other commitments.
• otherwise stated: As expressed in different words.
• as otherwise indicated: Referring to other evidence or context.

Translations

• Spanish: de otro modo

• French: autrement

• German: ansonsten

• Russian: иначе

Related Words

• otherwise stated: Expressed in a different way.

• alter: To change or modify.

Slang Meanings of otherwise

• Meaning: In a different way than expected.

  Example Sentence: That's cool, but I just want to do it otherwise.

• Meaning: As a fallback or alternative.

  Example Sentence: I can try to fix it myself, otherwise, I'll call a pro.