Word
otherwise
Phoneticsoth·er·wise, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəðɝˌwaɪz/
UK/ˈʌðəwˌaɪz/
Definitions
01or else
B1 · Intermediate
adv. you use this to say what will happen if a specific condition is not met.
adv. used as a conjunctive adverb to indicate the result or consequence if a preceding statement or condition is not fulfilled.
“You should leave now, otherwise you will miss your train.”
“The government must implement these reforms immediately; otherwise, the economic recovery will likely stall before the end of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Usually placed at the start of a second clause to show a negative consequence.
Synonyms
02in other respects
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. except for the thing you just mentioned.
adv. referring to all other factors or qualities apart from the one specifically mentioned.
“The phone has a small scratch, but it is otherwise in perfect condition.”
“The witness provided an otherwise credible account of the events, though her memory of the specific timing remained somewhat hazy.”
Usage
Often placed before an adjective to qualify it.
Synonyms
03differently
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a different way from what was expected or mentioned.
adv. in a different manner or under different circumstances.
“I wanted to help, but the boss decided otherwise.”
“Although the initial evidence suggested a mechanical failure, the forensic report proved otherwise.”
Usage
Commonly follows verbs like 'think', 'decide', 'say', or 'prove'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04different
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. different from what you might think or what has been said.
adj. of a different nature or character than what is supposed or stated.
“The truth is often otherwise.”
“He claimed to be a wealthy businessman, but the reality was quite otherwise.”
Teaching tip
This adjective use is quite formal; in everyday speech, people usually just say 'different'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “otherwise” in context.
Verb
01. prove otherwise
“He claimed to be innocent, but the evidence proved otherwise.”
verb + adv
02. suggest otherwise
“She said she was happy, but her facial expression suggested otherwise.”
verb + adv
03. think otherwise
“Most people believe the plan will work, but a few experts think otherwise.”
verb + adv
Adjective
04. otherwise empty
“A single candle flickered in the otherwise empty room.”
adv + adj
05. otherwise healthy
“The doctor noted that the patient was otherwise healthy, despite the minor injury.”
adv + adj
06. otherwise occupied
“I would have attended the meeting, but I was otherwise occupied with a client call.”
adv + adj
Preposition
07. unless stated otherwise
“The meeting will be held in the main hall unless stated otherwise on the notice board.”
prep + noun
08. otherwise known
Real-World Examples
“There is a 10-second time limit to tell the fourth official who is coming off, otherwise the captain must do so.” “Carnavon’s death in 1923 has been cited as proof of the myth that those who opened tombs would be cursed with bad luck, illness or death, otherwise known as the “mummy’s curse”.” “Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.” “Particular attention was paid to their Universal Waste Management System, otherwise known as the loo.” Etymology
From Middle English otherwise, othre wise, from Old English on ōþre wīsan (literally “in (on) other/different manner”); equivalent to other + -wise. Compare West Frisian yn oarwei (“otherwise”), Icelandic öðruvísi (“different”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/otherwise