ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in other words

idiom
Meaning

you use this to explain something again in a simpler or different way to make it clearer.


Origin

disputed origin

Compare various calques such as Spanish en otras palabras, Portuguese em outras palavras, French en d'autres termes and Italian in altre parole.

Examples
SIMPLE

In other words, you want to leave early today.

CONTEXTUAL

The instructions were confusing; in other words, we need to start the whole project over from the beginning.

COMPLEX

The author argues that the system is inefficient; in other words, it fails to provide the necessary support for those who need it most.

Last updated April 22, 2026