otherwise
otherwise Lexical Profile
otherwise Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In circumstances different from those present or considered; or else.
"We must leave for the station immediately; otherwise, we will miss our train."
In all other respects; apart from that.
"The antique desk has a small scratch on the corner, but it is otherwise in excellent condition."
In a different way or manner; differently.
"She claimed she was fine, though her exhausted expression suggested otherwise."
• conjunction
Used to introduce the consequence of not doing or failing to meet the preceding condition; if not, or else.
"Please save your document frequently, otherwise you risk losing your progress."
• adjective
In a different state, condition, or situation than what exists or is supposed (used exclusively as a predicate adjective).
"The facts of the case are completely otherwise than what was initially reported."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a conjunctive adverb to link two independent clauses, 'otherwise' should be preceded by a semicolon or period and followed by a comma (e.g., 'Study hard; otherwise, you might fail') to avoid a comma splice.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English phrase '(on) othre wisan', meaning 'in another manner or way', formed from 'other' and 'wise' (meaning manner, fashion, or custom).