Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a different way or manner: Used to indicate that something is, was, or should be done differently from what has been mentioned or assumed.
   • In other respects; apart from that: Used to refer to other aspects or conditions of a situation that are different from the main point being discussed.
   • If not; or else: Used to state what the result or consequence will be if something does not happen or is not true.

2. Adjective:

   • Other than supposed or expected; different: Used after a verb like 'be' to describe a situation or outcome that is not as assumed.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (In a different way):

  • The evidence suggests otherwise. (The evidence suggests a different conclusion.)
  • I was convinced otherwise after hearing her argument. (My opinion changed to a different one.)

• Adverb (In other respects):

  • The apartment is small but otherwise perfect. (Apart from being small, the apartment is perfect.)
  • He has a quick temper but is otherwise a kind person. (In all other aspects, he is kind.)

• Adverb (If not; or else):

  • You must leave now, otherwise you'll miss your train. (If you do not leave now, you will miss your train.)
  • Follow the instructions carefully. Otherwise, the experiment will fail. (If you do not follow them, it will fail.)

• Adjective:

  • The reality proved otherwise. (The reality proved to be different from what was thought.)
  • We hoped for success, but the result was otherwise. (The result was not success.)

Advanced Usage

• "And otherwise": Used to mean "and in other ways" or "and things of a different kind."

  • The meeting discussed budgets, policies, and otherwise. (The meeting discussed budgets, policies, and other related matters.)

• "Or otherwise": Used to refer to the opposite of something just mentioned or to include all other possibilities.

  • We welcome feedback, favorable or otherwise. (We welcome all feedback, whether it is positive or not.)
  • Success or otherwise depends on your effort. (Whether you succeed or not depends on your effort.)

Variants and Related Words

• Other (adj, pron): Used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known.
• Otherness (n): The quality or state of being different.

Synonyms

• Differently: In a different manner.
• Alternatively: As another option or possibility.
• Else: Used after 'or' to indicate a different or additional thing.
• Contrarily: In a contrary manner.

Related Phrases

• "Think otherwise": To have a different opinion.

  • You may think it's easy, but I think otherwise. (My opinion is different; I think it is not easy.)

• "Decide otherwise": To make a different decision.

  • The court may decide otherwise. (The court may reach a different verdict.)

Idioms

• "Unless otherwise stated/specified": Except if something different is said or written.

  • All products come with a one-year warranty, unless otherwise stated. (The one-year warranty applies except if a different term is written.)

• "Prove otherwise": To show that something is not true or correct.

  • He claimed to be innocent, but the facts proved otherwise. (The facts showed he was not innocent.)

Adjective

1. other than as supposed or expected
   • the outcome was otherwise

Adverb

1. in another and different manner;
   • very soon you will know differently
   • she thought otherwise
   • there is no way out other than the fire escape
2. in other respects or ways
   • he is otherwise normal
   • the funds are not otherwise available
   • an otherwise hopeless situation