Definition of otherwise
(Entry 1 of 3)
: something or anything else : something to the contrary
was ordered to testify and could not do otherwise
otherwise
adverbDefinition of otherwise (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: in a different way or manner
glossed over or otherwise handled — Playboy All shows begin at 8:00 unless otherwise noted.
2
: in different circumstances
might otherwise have left The test helps identify problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
3
: in other respects
an otherwise flimsy farce — Current Biography I didn't like the ending, but otherwise it was a very good book. The patient had a foot problem, but she was otherwise healthy.
4
: if not
do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry Tickets can be bought in advance at a discount; otherwise they can be purchased at the door for full price.
5
: not
—paired with an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb to indicate its contrary or to suggest an indefinite alternative people whose deeds, admirable or otherwise— John Fischeralmost thirty thousand women, Irish and otherwise— J. M. Burnshis opinion as to the success or otherwise of it — Australian Dictionary of Biography
otherwise
adjectiveDefinition of otherwise (Entry 3 of 3)
: different
if conditions were otherwise
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share otherwise
Time Traveler for otherwise
The first known use of otherwise was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century