otherwise

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈʌð.əˌwaɪz/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈʌð.ɚˌwaɪz/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

Positive otherwise

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (sentence adverb) You use otherwise to connect two clauses where the second clause shows the bad thing that would happen if the first clause doesn't happen.

   You need the proper license. Otherwise you can't do business.

2. (sentence adverb) You use otherwise to connect two clauses where the second clause shows what would have happened if the first clause hadn't happened.

   I missed the bus. Otherwise, I would have been here earlier.

3. If you think or say otherwise, you don't agree.

   She says we should put him in piano lessons, but I think otherwise.

4. apart from something else

   She has some cuts, but is otherwise fine.

   He just had to wash the dishes. Otherwise, everything was done.

Synonyms

• or else
• not

Related words

• other
• way