# otherwise

/ˈəðɝˌwaɪz/ (US) · /ˈʌðəwˌaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/otherwise
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. or else

adverb · CEFR B1

you use this to say what will happen if a specific condition is not met.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. in other respects

adverb · CEFR B2

except for the thing you just mentioned.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. differently

adverb · CEFR B2

in a different way from what was expected or mentioned.

For teachers: 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'.

### 4. different

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

different from what you might think or what has been said.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The evidence suggests the truth is otherwise.
- He claimed to be an expert, but his clumsy performance proved otherwise during the practical exam.
- While the official report insists the transition was seamless, the testimonies of several disgruntled employees suggest the reality was quite otherwise.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.